Networked LED lighting system

ABSTRACT

An improved LED lighting system is provided for overhead ceiling lighting, as well as for other uses. The LED lighting system comprises elongated linear lamps having an LED luminary as a source of illumination and configured to operate as a node of an automated networked lighting system. The linear LED lamps have internal modular network connectors and control components so that they can receive control data and power signals over a single network cable according to a standardized power and data network communications architecture such as Ethernet. The system includes connector assemblies designed to securely mount the networkable linear LED lamps to conventional tube lamp lighting fixtures or to another support housing and to provide integrated power and data connectivity to internal components of the lamps. In one form, the disclosed system includes a network enabled snap-fit connector assembly mounted to a lighting fixture and configured to provide Ethernet power and data connectivity to the lamp. The LED lamps have first and second mechanical connectors at opposite ends of the lamp body, and the snap-fit connectors are configured to secure the lamps to an overhead lighting fixture or other support structure as an incident of the lamp ends moving relative to the mounting connectors in a substantially straight path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position. The snap-fit connectors are also configured to form a network connection with an internal modular network connector associated with the lamp with the lamp mounted in its operative state on a support. In another form, a clipping mechanism is provided for mounting linear networkable LED lamps to an overhead grid ceiling system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/293,274, entitled “Networked LED Lighting ConnectorSystem” and filed Feb. 9, 2016, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

This invention relates to lighting and, more particularly, to lightemitting diode (LED) illumination as well as tubular lighting assembliesadapted for networked lighting systems.

BACKGROUND

Over the years various types of illuminating assemblies and devices havebeen developed for indoor and/or outdoor illumination, such asincandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, halogen lights, and lightemitting diodes. Incandescent light bulbs create light by conductingelectricity through a thin filament, such as a tungsten filament, toheat the filament to a very high temperature so that it glows andproduces visible light. Incandescent light bulbs emit a yellow or whitecolor. They are very inefficient, as a high percentage of energy inputis lost as heat. Fluorescent tube lamps conduct electricity throughmercury vapor, which produces ultraviolet (UV) light. The ultravioletlight is then absorbed by a phosphor coating inside the lamp, causing itto glow, or fluoresce. The most common formats are ¼ inch diameter (T2),⅝ inch diameter (T5) and 1 inch diameter (T8) and with length rangingfrom about 6 inches to 8 feet. The 4 foot long, 1 inch diameter (T8)fluorescent lamp is one of the most widely deployed lamps worldwide incommercial and industrial settings.

While the heat generated by fluorescent lamps is much less than theirincandescent counterparts, energy is still lost in generating the UVlight and converting UV light into visible light. If the lamp breaks,exposure to mercury can occur. Linear fluorescent lamps are often fiveto six times the cost of incandescent bulbs but have life spans around10,000 and 20,000 hours. Some fluorescent lights flicker and the qualityof the fluorescent light tends to be a harsh white due to the lack of abroad band of frequencies. Most fluorescent lights are not compatiblewith dimmers.

A typical fluorescent overhead lighting assembly provides overheadceiling lighting with a ceiling fixture comprising an outer housingcontaining an electronic ballast, starter and wiring, and metal concavereflectors positioned above one or more fluorescent tube lamps toreflect emitted light downwardly toward the floor. The ballastassociated with the lighting fixture converts AC line voltage to the DCpower provided to the fluorescent tube. The ballast also reduces thepower supply to a voltage level suitable for use in a florescent tube. Astarter circuit for providing a voltage pulse is needed to cause currentto conduct through the ionized gas in the fluorescent tube. One type offixture is adapted to be integrated into a drop ceiling support grid,and may include a transparent or translucent lens incorporated as a tileof a grid pattern drop ceiling for diffusing and/or focusing emittedlight. Another fixture type is configured to be mounted to the mainstructural ceiling. Low bay fixtures suspend from a ceiling using chainsor cabling.

Conventional fluorescent lighting fixtures also include mountingbrackets for securing light sockets for holding and electricallyconnecting the fluorescent lamps. The fluorescent tube lamps typicallyutilize a bi-pin/2-pin means on the tubular body that mechanicallysupports the body in an operative state on the light sockets or lampholders of the ceiling lighting fixture and effects electricalconnection of the illumination source to a power supply. The bi-pins areinserted into slots in the lamp holders and then rotated to secure theconnection.

Light emitting diode (LED) lighting is particularly useful. Lightemitting diodes offer any advantages over incandescent and fluorescentlight sources, including: lower energy consumption, longer lifetime,improved robustness, smaller size, faster switching, and excellentdurability and reliability. LEDs emit more light per watt thanincandescent light bulbs. LEDs can be tiny and easily placed on printedcircuit boards. The printed circuit board may comprise, for example, aconventional printed circuit board, a specialized printed circuit board(e.g., a flexible printed circuit board), single-sided, double-sided,multilayer or any other appropriate type of wiring board, all of whichare generically referred to herein as a “printed circuit board” or “PCB”herein. LEDs activate and turn on very quickly and can be readilydimmed. LEDs emit a cool light with very little infrared light. Theycome in multiple colors which are produced without the need for filters.LEDs of different colors can be mixed to produce white light. Theoperational life of some white LED lamps is 100,000 hours, which is muchlonger than the average life of an incandescent bulb or fluorescentlamp. Another important advantage of LED lighting is reduced powerconsumption. An LED circuit will approach 80% efficiency, which means80% of the electrical energy is converted to light energy; the remaining20% is lost as heat energy. Incandescent bulbs, however, operate atabout 20% efficiency with 80% of the electrical energy lost as heat.LED-based solid-state lighting (SSL) is now a mainstream technology,replacing incandescent, halogen, and compact fluorescent lights incommercial, industrial, and residential use. It is to be noted that“light emitting diode” and “LED” in the context of the present inventionalso means organic light emitting diodes.

Linear LED tube lamps are available for directly replacing fluorescentlamps in an existing light fixture. The most common lamp formatsapproximate the overall appearance and dimensions of their fluorescentcounterparts. LED tube lamps typically comprise an array of LEDs mountedon one or more circuit boards. The LED boards are mounted on an elongateheat sink comprising a heat conducting material such as aluminum. TheLED circuit boards are in thermal contact with the heat sink, but areelectrically isolated from the heat sink. The LED tube lamp may includeinternal driver circuitry for converting AC line current to DC currentand reducing and controlling the voltage applied to the LEDs. Theinternal driver circuitry can be designed specifically to meet theelectrical requirements of the LED circuit boards, thus overcomingpotential problems associated with using the existing local ballastoriginally designed for powering fluorescent lamps. In some designs,however, an external local ballast is used. The high power LEDs, as wellas any internal driver, generate heat that must be dissipated by theheat sink. To facilitate heat dissipation to the atmosphere, the heatsink is typically disposed such that its external surface forms aportion of the outer surface of the tube lighting assembly. The lightingassembly is installed with the heat sink facing upward toward theceiling lighting fixture. The remaining circumference of the tubecomprises a translucent or transparent lens cover through which thegenerated light is emitted towards the space to be illuminated.

The most common type of LED tube lamp is designed to be retrofit intothe insert and rotate type lamp holders mounted on conventionalfluorescent ceiling lighting fixtures, known in the industry as“tombstone” lamp holders. Such lamp holders are connected to AC linevoltage. They were originally developed to engage the pair of electricalpower pins projecting in cantilever fashion from the end caps of acylindrical shaped fluorescent tube lamp. LED tube lamps mimicking thisbi-pin end cap arrangement are now available for direct retrofit intothe tombstone lamp holders. Although widely deployed for decadesthroughout the industry, this connector format has certaindisadvantages. The exposed pins on the ends of the linear tube lamp aresusceptible to damage during distribution and installation. The lampbody must be situated in a first angular orientation to direct the pinsinto the lamp holders mounted on a support/reflector and is thereafterturned to effect mechanical securement and electrical connection.Installation requires a precise initial angular orientation of the bodyand subsequent controlled repositioning thereof to simultaneously seatthe pins at the opposite ends of the body. Often one or more of the pinsare misaligned during this process so that electrical connection is notestablished. The same misalignment may cause a compromised mechanicalconnection whereupon the body may escape from the connectors and drop sothat it is damaged or destroyed.

Further, the tombstone lamp holders on the support/reflector aregenerally mounted in such a fashion that they are prone to flexing. Evena slight flexing of the holders on the support might be adequate torelease the pins at one body end so that the entire body becomesseparated. The conventional bi-pin and tombstone lamp holder connectormeans was created for very lightweight fluorescent lighting and notdesigned for the additional weight of LED tubular lighting due to therequired heat sink and PCB boards. The weight of the body by itself mayproduce horizontal force components that wedge the connectors on thesupport/reflector away from each other so that the body becomesprecariously situated or fully releases.

Another problem with this type of lighting configuration, particularlywith an LED illumination source, is that the connectors at the ends ofthe lamp body are by their nature difficult to consistently assemble.Typically, the manufacturing process will involve steps of solderingconductive components on the end connectors and illumination source.Wires are commonly used in these designs, with the ends thereof solderedduring the assembly process. If the conductive components are notproperly connected, the system may be inoperable. Soldered connectionsare also prone to failing when subjected to forces in use. Generally, itis difficult to maintain a high level of quality control, regardless ofthe care taken in assembling these types of components. Aside from thequality issue, the assembly steps that involve the electrical connectionof the conductors are inherently time consuming and may requirerelatively skilled labor, and/or expensive automated systems.Disassembly of such lamps presents similar difficulties and expense. Asa result of these difficulties associated with assembly and disassembly,refurbishing such lamps to replace defective or worn out components isdifficult to justify economically. In most cases, the entire lampassembly will simply be discarded and replaced with a new lamp assembly,and as a result, lamp components that have significant useful liferemaining are wasted.

Another approach for replacing fluorescent tube lighting with LEDlighting involves replacing fluorescent lighting fixtures withintegrated LED fixtures. Integrated LED linear lighting fixtures providea completely new fixture rather than replacement lamps for existingfixtures. In other words, the LED light engines and other electricalcomponents are permanently mounted within an outer fixture housing tocreate an integrated overall unit, as opposed to fixtures equipped withlamp mounting sockets for permitting separate LED lamps to be installedin and removed from the fixture housing. One example uses LED stripsfixedly mounted across the face of a thin rectangular troffer housing,which can in turn be mounted into a standard ceiling infastructure. Suchfixtures are typically more expensive than replacement LED tubes, andthey entail the additional time, labor and cost of removing anddisposing of the existing fluorescent lighting fixtures and altering thecurrent fixture design and possibly also the layout. This reduces thepotential return of the investment to upgrade to more efficient LEDtechnology, increases the time and complexity of designing andinstalling LED lighting for a given facility, and increases thelikelihood of scheduling conflicts and disruptions of the workenvironment of the facility. Integrated LED fixtures also prevent theuser from making performance upgrades with simple lamp replacement aslamp technology improves, or from addressing non-functioning LEDs orother components by simply replacing a defective individual lamp.

While first generation LED lighting products for the fluorescent tubereplacement market were designed to be powered by AC line voltage, whichis converted to lower DC voltage via an external ballast or internaldriver circuit as explained above, there are efforts underway to powerLED lighting by using power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. PoE providesboth data and power connectivity in one cable so that powered devices donot require a separate cable for each need. PoE has been used, forexample, to power IP telephones, IP cameras, wireless access points, andremote Ethernet switches. PoE can provide DC power over long cable runs,e.g. hundreds of feet. Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394(FireWire) are examples of other standardized technologies forhigh-speed data transfer, both of which also provide data and power,albeit over more limited distances compared to PoE. These are commonlyused for connecting peripherals to personal computers and rechargingdigital devices such as smartphones. These standards may regulatecommunication, encoding and device addressing protocols, portspecifications, cabling requirements, connector designs, etc. to assurecompatibility among devices, components and products, and to provideplug-and-play capability. For the purpose of providing context for theinventions disclosed herein, the following discussion relatesprincipally to communicating power and data according to Ethernetstandards. However, as will become apparent, the inventions disclosedbelow are by no means limited to PoE implementations and are alsoapplicable to other standardized technologies capable of using a singlecable to provide both data connectivity and electrical power to devices.

Systems communicating over Ethernet networks divide a stream of datainto shorter pieces called frames, with each frame containing source anddestination addresses. Each Ethernet station is given an address. Theaddresses are used to specify both the destination and the source ofeach data packet. In a modern Ethernet, each station communicates with aswitch, which in turn forwards that traffic to the destination station.

In a typical PoE implementation, 120V electrical wiring (240V in Europe)terminates at power sourcing equipment (PSE), typically one or moreEthernet switches used to plug in computers, phones, printers, and otherdevices to a local area networks (LAN). In addition to communicatingdata, the PSE transmits DC power over standard Ethernet cabling to thepowered devices. Available Ethernet switches can supply up to 60 W ofpower per port, and this power capability is expected to increase withadditional technology and standards development in this area.

There are several known techniques for transmitting power over Ethernetcabling. The most common forms used are 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and1000BASE-T. All three utilize twisted pair cables. Fiber optic variantsof Ethernet have also been proposed, and may offer certain performanceadvantages. Standards-based PoE implemented using twisted-pair cablesfor the physical layer of the network follow the specifications of IEEE802.3. The standard Ethernet cables have four pairs of twisted wires.Category 5 cable, commonly referred to as “Cat5,” is currently widelyused. Most Cat5 cables are unshielded, relying on the balanced linetwisted pair design and differential signaling for noise reduction. Eachof the four pairs in a Cat5 cable has differing precise number of twistsper meter to minimize crosstalk between the pairs. Category 5 wassuperseded by the category 5e (enhanced) specification, and latercategory 6 cable, which supports Gigabit Ethernet. Category 7, thenewest cable standard for Ethernet and other interconnect technologies,features four individually shielded pairs as well as an overall cableshield to protect the signals from crosstalk and EMI. This allowssupporting higher frequency signals and carrying more data than Cat5 andCat6 cable.

Standard modular connectors are used to connect the devices of anEthernet LAN. Male plugs serve to terminate loose cables and cords, andfemale jacks are incorporated into fixed locations on surfaces such aswalls and panels, and on equipment. These modular connectors latchtogether via a spring-loaded tab on the plug, which snaps into the jackso that the plug cannot be easily pulled out. To remove the plug, thelatching tab may be depressed.

Modular connectors come in 4-, 6-, 8-, and 10-position sizes, where aposition is a location for a contact or pin. The contacts, commonlyreferred to as insulation displacement contacts or “IDCs,” have sharpprongs that, when crimped, pierce the insulation and connect with thewire conductor. Not all of the positions may have contacts installed,or, alternatively, some contacts may not be connected to a wireconductor. The insulating plastic bodies of 4-position and 6-positionconnectors have different widths, whereas 8-position or 10-positionconnectors share an even larger body width. A very common connector isknown as an RJ45 connector, which is a modular 8 position, 8 pinconnector used for terminating Cat5 or Cat6 twisted pair cable inEthernet over twisted pair networks.

The 10BASE-T data transmission standard, and its successors, 100BASE-TXand 1000BASE-T, support speeds of 10, 100 and 1000 Mbit/secrespectively. Only two of the four pairs are needed for 10BASE-T or100BASE-TX. Power may thus be transmitted on the unused conductors of acable, which is referred to as Alternative B. Power may also betransmitted on the data conductors using a phantom power technique ofapplying a common-mode voltage to each pair. In the IEEE standards, thisis referred to as Alternative A. It may be used with 10BASE-T and100BASE-TX, as well as with 1000BASE-T, which uses all four pairs fordata transmission. This is possible because all versions of Ethernetover twisted pair cable specify differential data transmission over eachpair with transformer coupling. The DC supply and load connections canbe made to the transformer center-taps at each end. Each pair thusoperates in common mode as one side of the DC supply, so two pairs arerequired to complete the circuit.

The IEEE PoE standards provide for signaling between the PSE and powereddevice. This signaling allows the presence of a device to be detected bythe power source, and allows the device and source to negotiate theamount of power required or available. The PSE decides whether powermode A or B shall be used. A powered device indicates that it isstandards-compliant by placing a standardized resistor between thepowered pairs. If the PSE detects a resistance that is too high or toolow (including a short circuit), no power is applied. The original IEEEPoE standard provides up to 15.4 W of DC power to each device. Theupdated standard, also known as PoE plus, provides up to 25.5 W ofpower.

LED lighting offers intriguing possibilities for PoE implementation dueto low power requirements and compatibility with digital connectivityand control. Investigators have proposed that PoE LED lighting caneliminate the cost, regulations and infrastructure associated with ACline voltage, which delivers power far beyond what LED lights need.Ethernet cable can safely carry the much lower DC voltages required,without the need and associated cost of using certified electricians forinstallation and maintenance. PoE enabled LED lighting also eliminatesthe electronics to convert main-line AC to DC, and the power lossassociated with converting AC to DC current at each lamp. Installationis also safer because of the relatively low DC voltage involved.

Because LED lighting is based on diodes combined with other solid statecircuits, it is adaptable to serve as network nodes to receive, collectand transmit information using sensors, wireless communications modulesand processors embedded in LED lighting fixtures. For example, each LEDhub can collect information on ambient light conditions, temperature,humidity, room-occupancy data, etc., which it then communicates back toa controller. Occupancy sensing can ensure that lighting turns on whensomeone enters a room and turns off when the room is unoccupied. Ambientlight sensors can adjust the lighting to maintain constant lightingthroughout the day. Other componentry can collect LED lamp usage dataand power draws to support maintenance and warranty issues, and canidentify opportunities for improved energy usage and operationalefficiency. PoE is well-suited for powering, connecting, and controllingsmart LED lighting hubs with a local area network (LAN) in this manner.

Networked LED lighting is poised to play a major role in the Internet ofThings (IoT), using Ethernet local area networks to power and controlsmart hubs containing LED light engines, sensors and communicationmodules. Historically when businesses wish to reconfigure existingspace, electricians are brought back to modify the lighting branchcircuits and fixture position. This is costly and time consuming. Inlarger buildings, lighting systems are powered by a separate anddedicated 120/277V AC infrastructure. If controls are needed (such asfor vacancy sensing or daylight harvesting) a second communicationnetwork is often added. This overlay infrastructure is usually astandalone network. Both the 120/277V AC infrastructure and controlcommunication network add huge costs to the building owner in the formof high capital expense, design engineering “soft costs” and addedmaintenance complexity. In short, existing AC lighting systems arecostly to install, maintain and operate. And once installed, they areinflexible. In contrast, PoE LED lights enables customers to safely movelights, adjust color temperature and automate failure detection—allwhile getting a better experience and saving energy. Operational datacan be generated or collected by smart LED lighting hubs (e.g., lightconditions, usage data, occupancy and link to Building AutomationSystems, BAS) and communicated back to central control unit for enablinga wide range of automation control strategies.

Although PoE enabled LED lighting systems offer potential advantages,development efforts to date have focused primarily on increasing thepower available from the PSE and reducing the power requirements of LEDlight engines. While these developments have improved the efficiencycomparison between a PoE LED system and more conventional AC system,they have essentially bypassed the conventional tube lamp format that iswidely deployed throughout the world. PoE LED systems heretoforeproposed bring integrated power and data to specially designedintegrated LED light fixtures, which are designed to replace entirefluorescent light fixtures. These present offerings require removing andreplacing each fluorescent lighting fixture with a PoE enabledintegrated LED fixture, which is very costly and erodes the valueproposition of transitioning to LED lighting. There are presently nomeans available to directly connect individual LED tube lamps designedto retrofit conventional fluorescent lamps to an Ethernet LAN to becomeindividually addressed and managed nodes of a networked lighting system.As explained above, known LED linear tube lamps are designed to bepowered using AC line voltage, which is converted to lower voltage DCcurrent by the ballast of the legacy fluorescent lamp fixture or usingdriver circuitry internal to the lamp itself. The external bi-pinconductors of conventional linear lamps not only provide an electricalpath for inputting external power to the lamp, they also mechanicallysecure each lamp end in the corresponding tombstone lamp holder of thefixture. It is not possible to run data and power through the bi-pinconductors.

An alternative “snap-fit” type connector system adapted for a modifiedform of a linear LED tube lamp is shown in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication 2014/0293595, by the same applicant of the subjectapplication, and which is incorporated as if reproduced in its entiretyherein. The tubular LED lighting assembly disclosed therein has at leastone LED emitter board within the body; and first and second connectorsrespectively at the first and second body ends that are configured tosecure the lamp on a support fixture. The first connector hascooperating first and second parts. The first connector part isintegrated into an end cap assembly of the lamp body. The secondconnector part is configured to be on a support for the tubular lightingassembly. The first and second connector parts respectively have firstand second surfaces. As the second connector part is received within anopening of the end cap assembly, the first and second surfaces areplaced in confronting relationship to prevent separation of the firstand second connector parts as an incident of the first connector partmoving relative to the second connector part from a position fullyseparated from the second connector part in a substantially straightpath that is transverse to the length of the lamp body.

This “snap-fit” connection does not utilize exposed pins to mechanicallysecure the lamp ends to the support. The connection is effected by alinear motion rather than an insert and rotate technique. The first endcap assembly may include at least a first connector board. The connectorboard comprises generally L-shaped pins housed within the end capassembly, each having a first portion extending in a direction generallyparallel to the length of the body and a second portion extending in adirection traverse to the length of the body and towards the secondconnector part when said first connector part is moved towards thesecond connector part and into the engaged position. The conductivecomponents on each of the first and second connector parts electricallyconnect to each other to form an electrical path between theillumination source and an external AC power supply as an incident ofthe connector parts being moved into the snap-fit engaged configuration.This previously proposed snap-fit connector system addresses some of theproblems associated with the use of conventional tombstone type lampholders for securing LED tube lamps to lighting fixtures. However, ittoo is configured for only traditional means of powering LED lightengines from AC line power, and is not adapted to communicate both powerand data using Ethernet or any other integrated power and datadistribution standard.

Accordingly, known implementations of PoE LED overhead lighting forreplacing fluorescent tube lighting are architected around integratedLED fixtures as the powered devices. In such systems, each integratedLED fixture is provided with a standard Ethernet jack, typically a RJ-45jack for accepting an RJ-45 Ethernet cable plug. The LED fixture as aunit thus becomes a plug-and-play device with its own address. Power anddata communication are provided to the fixture as a unit, whichdistributes the power internally to individual LEDs and other componentsusing internal circuitry. As previously explained, such integrated LEDfixtures utilize LED strips rather than conventional tube lamp formfactors, and eliminate the numerous advantages of the LED tube formfactor. In particular, installing an integrated PoE enabled LED fixtureentails significant expense compared to simply replacing individualfluorescent tubes with replacement LED tubes. The expense of removingand disposing of existing fluorescent lighting fixtures and altering thecurrent fixture design and layout may substantially offset the costsavings associated with these promising means of powering LED lighting.Integrated LED fixtures also constrain the property owner to thetechnology available at installation, making it more difficult andexpensive to upgrade as communication, sensor, control and othertechnologies improve.

LED lighting systems built as an assemblage of integrated LED fixturessuffer from these and other disadvantages not only in conventionallighting applications, such as commercial buildings and schools, butalso in more specialized contexts such as horticultural lightingsystems. These systems are used in greenhouses or other environmentswhere living organisms are irradiated with light to support plantgrowth. Indoor commercial plant farms are now producing fruits,vegetables and grains within urban areas, reducing transportation costsand carbon footprint in addition to minimizing land usage. Whether in agreenhouse setting requiring supplemental light or an indoor settingrelying completely on artificial light, LED lighting has the potentialto significantly reduce the electrical cost for greenhouse operators andindoor farmers. Furthermore, research into how specific spectral bandsare primarily responsible for different stages of the horticulturalgrowth cycle has made LEDs an even more attractive lighting option. Itis believed that a broad-spectrum source, such as a sodium lamps,essentially wastes energy producing radiation in portions of thespectral band such as green, which has been shown thus far to haveminimal to no benefit to plant growth.

It has been shown that LEDs can significantly stimulate plant growthwhile reducing energy consumption. The light engines typically deployedin LED horticultural systems are integrated LED fixtures and lack thelamp form factor. One known manufacturer has marketed an LED tube lampfor replacing powered fluorescent tube lamps in an AC poweredhorticultural lighting systems. The lighting systems for which the lampis intended do not deploy PoE technology. The applicant is not presentlyaware of any horticultural lighting system designed to be powered andcontrolled using the capabilities of PoE or any other standardized powerand data technology.

There is a need for LED lighting that provides the benefits of PoEtechnology in the linear tube format that is widely deployed throughoutthe lighting industry. As used herein, the terms “LED tube lamp” and“linear LED lamp” and similar variants are used interchangeably todescribe LED lamps having at least one LED board mounted on anexternally exposed heat sink having a narrow and elongated overallprofile and with optional elongated optical lens, and designed forremovable mounting to a variety of lighting fixture housings. While theoverall form factor of such lamps is ordinarily generally similar tothat of conventional fluorescent tube lamps, the use of these terms isnot intended to limit the scope of the disclosed or claimed subjectmatter to lamps having any particular lateral cross-sectional shape orto require a fully enclosed outer tubular structure. As will be apparentfrom the disclosure herein, these terms are also intended to encompassvariants of such lamps designed to be removably mounted directly to aceiling grid or other support structure. These terms, however, are to bedistinguished from integrated LED lighting fixtures in which LED boardsand heat sink components are mounted to an outer fixture housing in theabsence of a removable modular LED light engine lamp component. WhilePoE enabled LED fixtures are appropriate for certain installations,systems that enable individual LED tube lamps to directly connect asmanaged nodes of an Ethernet LAN would allow for numerous possibilitiesfor the next phase of power and controls for commercial and residentiallighting. The present invention is directed to safe, reliable,convenient and cost-effective solutions that will allow the benefits ofPoE LED lamp technology to be fully realized in the LED tube format,greatly expanding the potential benefits of, and applications for, PoEenabled LED lighting.

Still another problem in the lighting industry are the difficulties andcosts associated with proper design and control of emergency lightingcircuits. Emergency lighting systems are required by a myriad ofmunicipal, state, federal or other codes and standards. These systemsare intended to automatically supply illumination to designated areasand equipment in the event of failure of the normal power supply, toprotect people and allow safe egress from a building, and to providelighting to areas that would aid rescuers or repair crews. These systemsare typically required by regulation to be available within a short time(e.g. 10 seconds) after failure of normal power, and emergency circuitsmust be physically separated from all other circuits all the way to theterminations and the source. Other standby systems, although not legallyrequired, may be desirable to provide lighting to prevent discomfort orserious damages to a product or process.

The proper design and control of emergency lighting circuits incompliance with the many standards and codes that may apply to a givensite installation has long presented difficult challenges formanufacturers, systems integrators and electricians and engineers. As aresult, a number of approaches to designing emergency or standbylighting circuits have been attempted. One known approach involvesproviding a number of emergency-only luminaires dedicated to providingminimum illumination levels and powered by a dedicated emergency breakerpanel fed from a generator or uninterruptable power supply (UPS). Anuninterruptible power supply is an electrical apparatus that providesemergency power to a load when the input power source, typically mainspower, fails. A UPS differs from an auxiliary or emergency power systemor standby generator in that it will provide near-instantaneousprotection from input power interruptions, by supplying energy stored inbatteries or a flywheel. Regardless of the source of back-up power, theemergency fixtures remain dark when normal power is present, and areenergized when the control circuit detects failure of the normal powersupply. This approach entails the potentially high cost of the emergencysystem equipment and may be visually unappealing as result of excessluminaries which are not illuminated during normal conditions.

Another approach involves self-contained battery pack emergency lights,which contain a battery, a charger, and a load control relay. Theseunits are connected to normal power, which provides a constant chargingcurrent for the battery. During a power failure, the load control relayenergizes the emergency lights. This approach avoids the need to deployphysically separated emergency circuits, but is typically implemented inaesthetically unpleasing forms resembling a car headlight battery packunit. Still another approach uses the same light fixture for both normalan emergency use. The lights are fed using the normal breaker panel andwall mounted switch during normal operation. When power fails, anemergency transfer circuit transfers the breaker panel feed to anemergency power source, and bypasses the wall switch to force the loadon the lights regardless of the wall switch position. Although suchsystems offer aesthetic advantages, they are expensive and complex todesign and install. Other known approaches suffer similar drawbacks.

It is therefore desirable to provide improved LED lamps and associatedconnector systems which overcome some, if not all of the proceedingproblems and disadvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side perspective view showing a standard male connectorplug at an end of an Ethernet cable;

FIG. 1B is an end view of the connector plug of FIG. 1A and showingexposed electrical pins of the plug;

FIG. 1C is a top view of the connector plug of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is an end perspective view showing a standard female jackincluding an opening for receiving the male connector plug of FIGS.1A-1C and contacts for engaging the electrical pins of the plug;

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the jack of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of PoE snap-fit connector assembly mountedto a lighting fixture and configured to receive a male Ethernetconnector plug at a proximal base end thereof, to secure the cylindricalend cap of a linear LED lamp to the lighting fixture using a snap-fitconnection, and to provide Ethernet power and data connectivity to thelamp;

FIG. 3B is a view as in FIG. 3A with the Ethernet connector plug, PoEsnap-fit connector assembly, lamp end cap and cylindrical tubular lampbody joined in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 4A is side perspective view of the PoE snap-fit connector assemblyof FIGS. 3A and 3B, and showing a proximal base end for mounting to alighting fixture, a mid-portion including a snap-fit actuator assemblyand extending to a distal tip portion configured as integral Ethernetplug;

FIG. 4B is right side view of the PoE snap-fit connector assembly ofFIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is an end view of the PoE snap-fit connector assembly, andshowing an integral standard Ethernet jack accessible through anend-wall of the base end of the connector;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical linear LED lamp, andshowing an end cap assembly comprising an Ethernet jack mounted to avertically oriented PCB connector board for receiving the terminal plugend of a PoE snap-fit connector and transferring power and data betweena network and internal components of the lamp;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a cylindricallinear LED lamp, and showing an end cap assembly comprising an L-shapedadapter providing an Ethernet jack at one end for receiving the terminalplug of a PoE snap-fit connector and a male plug at another end formating with a female jack mounted to a PCB board of the lamp andtransferring power and data between a network and internal components ofthe lamp;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a cylindricallinear LED lamp, and showing an end cap assembly comprising an Ethernetjack mounted to a horizontally oriented PCB connector board forreceiving the terminal plug end of a PoE snap-fit connector andtransferring power and data between a network and internal components ofthe lamp;

FIG. 8A is a perspective end view of the lamp of FIG. 7 with thecylindrical end cap partially cut-away, and also showing a PoE snap-fitconnector assembly mounted to a lighting fixture and a male connectorplug of an Ethernet LAN, with the components shown in a separatedconfiguration;

FIG. 8B is view of the components of FIG. 8A, with the lamp end cap, PoEsnap-fit connector assembly and network cable joined in an assembledconfiguration;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a linear LED lamp having a generallytriangular cross-sectional shape and generally triangular end caps, andalso showing snap-fit connector assemblies at opposite ends of the lampbody;

FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of one end of the lamp of FIG. 9A, andshowing a PoE snap-fit connector configured to receive a male Ethernetconnector plug at a base end thereof;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken in a plane perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the lamp of FIGS. 9A and 9B, and showing agenerally trapezoidal, multi-sided heat sink providing support surfacesfor mounting two LED emitter boards as shown, and with a lighttranslucent lens cover joined to the heat sink;

FIG. 11A is a perspective end view of the linear LED lamp of FIGS. 9Aand 9B with the cylindrical end cap partially cut-away, a PoE snap-fitconnector assembly mounted to a lighting fixture, and a male connectorplug of an Ethernet LAN, with the components shown in a separatedconfiguration;

FIG. 11B is view of the components of FIG. 11A, with the lamp end cap,PoE snap-fit connector assembly and network cable joined in an assembledconfiguration;

FIG. 12A is side perspective view of an embodiment of a PoE enabledsnap-fit connector assembly, and showing a proximal base end formounting to a lighting fixture, a mid-portion including a snap-fitactuator assembly and an Ethernet jack accessible from a sidewallthereof, and also having a distal tip portion configured as integralEthernet plug;

FIG. 12B is right side view of the PoE snap-fit connector assembly ofFIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a PoE enabledsnap-fit connector assembly, and showing a proximal base end formounting to a lighting fixture, a mid-portion including a snap-fitactuator assembly, and a distal tip portion, and with an Ethernet plugand cable extending through an internal channel extending from theproximal base end to the distal tip end;

FIG. 13B is a right side view of the PoE enabled snap-fit connectorassembly and Ethernet cable shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C is an opposite side view of the PoE enabled snap-fit connectorassembly and Ethernet cable shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13D is an end view of the base end of PoE enabled snap-fitconnector assembly shown in FIG. 13A with the Ethernet cable removed toshow an internal channel extending from the proximal base end to thedistal tip end;

FIG. 13E shows a linear LED lamp end cap defining an opening in anupward facing sidewall thereof and internal Ethernet jack configured toreceive the distal tip end of the PoE enabled snap-fit connectorassembly and the Ethernet cable plug shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the snap-fitconnector assembly, and showing a proximal base end for mounting to alighting fixture, a mid-portion including a snap-fit actuator assembly,and a distal tip portion, and with a USB plug and cable extendingthrough an internal channel extending from the proximal base end to thedistal tip end;

FIG. 14B is a right side view of the snap-fit connector assembly and USBcable shown in FIG. 14A;

FIG. 14C shows a linear LED lamp end cap defining an opening in anupward facing sidewall thereof and an internal USB port configured toreceive the distal tip end of the snap-fit connector assembly and theUSB cable plug;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a cylindrical, network compatiblelinear LED lamp having an external heat sink extending over a portion ofthe circumference of an elongate body portion and having end capassemblies at opposite ends of the body, showing an Ethernet jackintegral with each end cap and accessible through a sidewall of the endcap;

FIG. 16 is a partial side perspective view of the lamp of FIG. 15 withportions cut away to expose internal components, and showing an enlargedview of an end cap assembly comprising an Ethernet jack mounted to ahorizontally oriented PCB connector board for receiving the terminalplug of an Ethernet cable and transferring power and data between anetwork and internal components of the lamp;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cylindrical, network compatiblelinear LED lamp having an external heat sink extending over a portion ofthe circumference of an elongate body portion and having end capassemblies at opposite ends of the body, showing an Ethernet jackintegral with an end cap and accessible through the end wall of the endcap;

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of the lamp of FIG. 17 with portionscut away to expose internal components, and showing an enlarged view ofan end cap assembly comprising an Ethernet jack mounted to ahorizontally oriented PCB connector board for receiving the terminalplug of an Ethernet cable and transferring power and data between anetwork and internal components of the lamp;

FIG. 19A is a perspective end view showing the end cap of a linear LEDlamp of generally triangular cross-section and a mounting clip forsecuring the end cap and lamp to a ceiling grid;

FIG. 19B is a view of the components of FIG. 19A, with the mounting clipand end cap joined in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 20A is a perspective end view showing the end cap of a linear LEDlamp of generally circular cross-section and a mounting clip forsecuring the end cap and lamp to a ceiling grid;

FIG. 20B is a view of the components of FIG. 20A, with the mounting clipand end cap joined in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the mounting clip and generallycylindrical LED tube lamp of FIGS. 20A and 20B joined to a cross memberof a ceiling grid of a suspension ceiling system;

FIG. 22 is system diagram of a networked lighting system showingmultiple linear LED lamps of the type depicted in FIG. 21 mounted to aceiling grid using mounting clips as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a linear LED lamp, and showscooperating connector assemblies at opposite ends of the lamp body, withthe connector assembly at one end comprising a PoE enabled sleeveadaptor configured to provide integrated power and data at one end ofthe lamp;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the PoE enabled sleeveadaptor of FIG. 23, showing an Ethernet cable plug connected to anintegral jack at a base end of the sleeve adaptor and including a maleEthernet plug extending within the sleeve receptacle of the adapter;

FIG. 25A is side perspective view of an embodiment of a PoE enabledsnap-fit connector having a proximal base end for mounting to a lightingfixture, a mid-portion including a snap-fit actuator assembly andextending to a distal tip portion configured as integral Ethernet plug,and showing cable wiring crimped directly to pins of the Ethernet plug;

FIG. 25B is right side view of the PoE enabled snap-fit connectorassembly of FIG. 25B.

FIG. 26A is a perspective end view showing the end cap of an alternativelinear LED lamp of generally triangular cross-section and an alternativemounting clip for securing the end cap and lamp to a ceiling grid;

FIG. 26B is a view of the components of FIG. 26A, with the mounting clipand end cap joined in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 26C is a partial side perspective view of the linear LED lamp ofFIG. 26A;

FIG. 26D is another partial side perspective view of the lamp of FIG.26A;

FIG. 27A is a cross-sectional view taken in a plane perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of another linear LED lamp embodiment, and showing amulti-sided heat sink providing a convexly curved support surface formounting an arcuate LED emitter board as shown, and with a lighttranslucent lens cover joined to the heat sink;

FIG. 27B is a perspective view of the arcuate LED emitter board prior tomounting to the heat sink of the lamp of FIG. 27A;

FIG. 28A is a side perspective view of a linear LED lamp embodiment withportions cut away to expose internal components, and showing amulti-sided heat sink providing support surfaces for mounting multipleLED emitter boards as shown;

FIG. 28B is a cross-sectional view taken in a plane perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the linear LED lamp of FIG. 28A, and showing amulti-sided heat sink having a generally trapezoidal shape and providingsurfaces for mounting multiple LED emitter boards as shown, and with alight translucent lens cover joined to the heat sink;

FIG. 28C is another side perspective view of the linear LED lamp of FIG.28A with portions cut away to expose internal components mounted withinan enclosed region of the multi-sided heat sink;

FIG. 29 is a schematic system diagram of an automated LED lightingsystem in accordance with the principles of the disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken in a plane perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of another linear LED lamp embodiment, and showing amulti-sided heat sink having a generally trapezoidal shape and providingsurfaces for mounting multiple LED emitter boards for projecting lightin downward and upward directions, and with a light translucent lenscover joined to the heat sink;

FIG. 31A is a perspective view of a PoE enabled snap-fit connectorembodiment, and showing a proximal base end for mounting to a lightingfixture, a mid-portion including a snap-fit actuator assembly andextending to a distal tip portion configured as integral Ethernet plughaving IDC terminals for connecting to wires of a network cable;

FIG. 31B shows the connector embodiment of FIG. 31A with a network cableattached to the IDC terminal of the plug;

FIG. 32 is a side perspective view of a PoE enabled snap-fit connectorembodiment, and showing a proximal base end for mounting to a lightingfixture, a mid-portion including a snap-fit actuator assembly andextending to a distal tip portion configured as integral Ethernet plug,and having IDC terminals at the base end for connecting to wires of anetwork cable;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of another PoE enabled snap-fit connectorembodiment, and showing a proximal base end for mounting to a lightingfixture, a mid-portion including a snap-fit actuator assembly andextending to a distal tip portion configured as integral Ethernet plug,and having IDC terminals at the base end for connecting to wires of anetwork cable;

FIG. 34A is a perspective view of a cylindrical, network compatiblelinear LED lamp having an external heat sink extending over a portion ofthe circumference of an elongate body portion and having end capassemblies at opposite ends of the body, showing an external Ethernetjack connected to the lamp by a jumper cable extending through the endwall of the end cap; and

FIG. 34B is a side perspective view of the lamp of FIG. 34A withportions cut away to expose internal components, and showing an enlargedview of an end cap assembly comprising and cable connector mounted to ahorizontally oriented PCB connector board for connecting an Ethernetcable and jack between a network and internal components of the lamp.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Any such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated devices, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention as illustrated herein arecontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

By way of additional background, FIGS. 1A to 1C illustrate a prior art,standard male plug for twisted pair Ethernet cables. The plug 10comprises plastic, generally rectangular body portion 12 of standardizeddimensions allowing for insertion into standardized female connectorjacks. FIGS. 2A and 2B shows show a prior art, standard female jack 20of the type commonly incorporated into walls, computer equipment, patchpanels and other devices. The jack 20 comprises housing 22 having outersidewalls, and with an opening 27 through the proximal end wall 24providing access to internal receptacle 26, which is sized to receive aportion of body 12 of plug 10. The plug 10 includes spring-loaded tab14, which sits in groove 28 of the receptacle when plug 10 is insertedinto jack 20. The tab depresses as the plug is inserted through ininitial insertion position into receptacle 26 until it snaps back to itsnatural position to lock plug 10 in the receptacle and prevent the plugfrom backing out of jack 20. The tab 14 is depressed to release the plug10 from jack 20.

The body 12 of plug 10 houses metallic contacts 16 located at discretepositions between a series of fingers 17 of body 12 near the leadingedge 18 of the plug. The particular plug illustrated provides eightpositions, each containing a contact, which is representative of theconventional RJ-45 plug commonly used to terminate twisted pair cable inEthernet networks. As mentioned above, other modular plugs containing 4,6 and 10 positions, and varying numbers of contacts, are also availableand known to those skilled in the art. Cable 2 comprises four pairs oftwisted wire (8 wires in total). Each contact 16 is connected to anindividual wire by crimps (not shown) internal to the body 12, with thewires of each pair connected to adjacent contacts. Such cables areavailable with the plugs preinstalled. The plug may also be connected toan end of standard twisted pair cable using a conventional crimping toolfamiliar to those skilled in the art.

Jack 20 contains internal metallic contacts 25 extending into thereceptacle 26 from the distal end thereof. The contacts 16 of plug 10have exposed portions between the intermittent fingers 17. When plug 10is seated in the locked position within jack 20, the contacts 16 comeinto engagement with corresponding contacts 25 of jack 20 to formelectrical connections. The jack 20 also includes electrical leads fortransmitting signals between contacts 25 and components external to thejack.

Standardized modular cable plugs and jacks of the type illustratedprovide a convenient and effective means for connecting devices tocomputer networks and extending cable lengths within the network. Asmentioned above, jacks are commonly found in wall and patch panels, andintegrated into devices such as phones, PCs, laptops and servers thattend to be supported in a stationary manner on tables, desks, computerracks, etc. These available Ethernet connectors resist the plug backingout of the jack via the tab latching mechanism described above. However,they are not designed to bear significant weight or to withstandsignificant tension on the cable. The tabs themselves are somewhatfragile and are susceptible to shearing off under the strain of repeateduse. Once a cable is plugged into a jack, significant tension applied toa cable can cause the connection to fail, either by tab breakage causingthe plug backing out of the jack, or by failure of the internal crimpconnections resulting in separation of the cable and plug.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B and 5 illustrate a novel network opearable linearLED lighting system. The system includes connector assemblies designedto securely mount networkable linear LED lamps to conventional tube lamplighting fixtures or other support housing and to provide integratedEthernet power and data connectivity to internal components of thelamps. The disclosed system includes a network enabled snap-fitconnector assembly mounted to a lighting fixture and configured toreceive a male Ethernet plug at a proximal base end thereof, to securethe end cap of a linear LED lamp to the lighting fixture using asnap-fit connection, and to provide Ethernet power and data connectivityto the lamp. The disclosed connector system provides the advantages ofintegrated power and data capabilities and Ethernet standardization toindividual linear LED lamps. This novel lighting system is describedmore fully below.

As shown in FIG. 3B, connector systems contemplated by the inventionpermit installing an Ethernet network compatible linear LED lamp 50 intoa lighting fixture comprising a support 4. The lamp 50 comprises anelongate body portion 59 including a metallic heat sink 55 extendingthroughout a generally upward facing portion of the circumference of thebody 59, and a transparent or translucent lens portion 56 attached tothe heat sink and extending throughout a generally downward facingportion of the circumference of the body 59. The heat sink is formed ofa thermally conductive material such as aluminum alloy to dissipate heatto the atmosphere. As illustrated in the cross-sectional view providedin FIG. 5, lamp 50 includes at least one LED emitter panel 52 comprisinga printed circuit board (PCB) mounting a series of LEDs 54 providing asource of illumination. The emitter panel 52 is mounted to the heat sinkinternal to the tubular body 59. Heat generated by the LEDs conductsthrough the emitter panel to the heat sink. The PCB may also includeother electronic components, such as one or more communication modules,control circuits, sensors, microprocessors, controllers, wirelesstransceivers, cameras, battery back-up circuits, emergency lightingcircuits, or other devices incorporated into modern smart LED lightingassemblies. These additional components may be provided on the same PCBboard on which the LEDs are mounted or on one or more separate PCBboards. The present invention contemplates providing integrated powerand data connectivity supporting a wide variety of network compatiblesmart LED tube lamp designs, componentry, capabilities and performancecharacteristics.

Connector 30 is configured to maintain the first end 57 of lamp 50 in anoperative state on the support 4 while also providing for standardizedEthernet connectivity between a LAN and the internal components of thelamp. Connector 30 may be formed of plastic and may be manufacturedusing conventional injection molding techniques. The support may be inthe form of a reflector of a conventional tube lighting fixture havingreflective surface 6, or otherwise configured. The connector 30 isconfigured to engage a first end cap assembly 40 that is provided at thefirst end 57 of lamp 50. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A, connector 30 hasbase portion 34 and a narrowed leading end portion 33. Flange 32 extendsaround the periphery of the base portion at a proximal end thereof.Flanges 31 a and 31 b extend outwardly from opposite sidewalls of baseportion 34 and define slots between the flanges 31 a, 31 b and theperipheral flange 32. Reflector tabs 8 a, 8 b extending from reflectivesurface 6 of support 4, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, cooperate with theslots. That is, the tabs 8 a, 8 b are formed so that they can slidethrough the slots whereby the connector 30 and support 4 can be pressconnected starting with these parts fully separated from each other. Asimple sliding movement lengthwise of the body of the lamp will fullyseat the tabs 8 a, 8 b that become frictionally held in the slots.

As shown in FIG. 3A, first end cap assembly 40, which mates with theconnector 30, consists of a first cup-shaped receptacle 43 into whichthe first end 57 of the lamp body 59 extends. The connector 30 is shownin a position fully separated from the first end cap assembly 40. InFIG. 3B, the connector 30 is shown after the first end 57 of lamp 50 hasbeen moved relative to the connector part 30 from the fully separatedposition in a substantially straight path, transverse to the length ofthe body 59, into the engaged position. To make this interactionpossible, the first end cap assembly 40 has an opening 44 through anupward facing surface of wall 42 bounded by an edge. Leading end portion33 of connector 30 has a narrowed profile to permit the leading end toinsert into opening 44. The leading end portion 33 has deployable parts38 a, 38 b formed on opposite sides thereof. The connector 30 isconfigured so that each deployable part 38 a, 38 b is engaged by theedge of the opening 44 and progressively cammed from a holding position,as shown in solid lines in FIG. 4A, towards an assembly position, asshown in dotted lines in FIG. 4A, as the first end cap assembly 40 ismoved upward to and into the engaged position. Each first deployablepart 38 a, 38 b moves from the assembly position back towards theholding position with the first end cap assembly realizing the engagedposition. Portions of wall 42 at the edge of opening 44 reside captivelybetween opposed surfaces of the first deployable parts 38 a, 38 b andbase portion 34 of connector 30 in the engaged position. This provides asecure and reliable mechanical connection between the support and thelamp capable of holding the weight of LED tube lamps of various sizesand to withstand sudden forces such as during earthquake or otheremergency conditions.

The connector 30 also provides a convenient mechanism for disengagingthe lamp 50 from the connector, as may become necessary to inspect orreplace the lamp. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A, first deployable part 38a may be joined to the leading end portion 33 of connector 30 through alive hinge 39 a. The second deployable part 38 b is connected to theleading end portion in a like manner. Connector 30 has actuators 36 a,36 b connected to the deployable parts 38 a, 38 b on opposite sides forcausing the corresponding deployable parts to shift back and forthbetween the engaged and assembly positions. The actuators can be pressedinwardly towards each other with the first end cap assembly 40 in theengaged position, thereby to move the first deployable parts 38 a, 38 btowards their assembly position, to allow them to pass through theopening 44 so that first end cap assembly 40 can be separated fromconnector 30. Thus, the actuators 36 a, 36 b are situated so that theinstaller can grip and squeeze the actuators, as between two fingers,towards each other, thereby shifting both deployable parts 38 a, 38 bfrom their holding positions into their assembly positions.

Details of the internal components of end cap assembly 40 of LED tubelamp 50 will now be described. The end cap assembly interacts with acorresponding snap-fit connector in the manner described while alsoproviding a communications port enabling the lamp 50 to become a deviceof an Ethernet computer network. As shown in FIG. 5, the assemblyincludes connector board 46, which is a PCB. In this embodiment,connector board 46 is secured in a vertical orientation within the endcap assembly by horizontally extending posts 47 a, 47 b. The inventioncontemplates that the connector board may be mounted within the end capassembly using any available means. Connector board 46 is in electricalcommunication with components internal to the body 59 of lamp 50 by pins48 and connector 53. The connector 53 may be pinned to the LED emitterboard, as shown in FIG. 5, or to a separate PCB board mounted within thelamp body. Connector board 46 thus provides connections for transmittingpower and data signals between electrical components within the end capassembly and one or more components within the body 59 of LED tube lamp50. It eliminates soldered wire connections, which are labor intensiveand prone to failure. Connector board 46 supports a modular plug andplay approach to connecting the various internal componentry associatedwith linear LED lamps equipped with modern smart lighting functionality.

FIG. 5 also depicts jack 41 mounted to connector board 46 by pins 43,which may be a standard Ethernet jack compatible with 8P8C RJ-45 typeplugs or another available standard Ethernet plug. The jack 41 isorientated with its internal receptacle 45 opening upward towards theopening 44 in wall 42 of the first end cap assembly. Receptacle 45 isgenerally aligned with the opening 44. End connector board 46 may alsoinclude an Ethernet controller for facilitating integrated power anddata communication between lamp 50 and external devices of the LAN usingstandard Ethernet protocols. Other circuit modules may also be mountedon the connector board to support the functionality of a particularlamp. Ethernet control components and other circuitry associated withpower and data communications of the lamp may alternatively be mountedwithin the lamp body.

FIGS. 4A to 4C depict alternative views of the connector 30 of FIGS. 3Aand 3B. FIG. 4C shows a view of the end wall of connector 30 thatincludes flange 32 and faces support 4 when connector 30 is mounted tothe support. Jack 37 is internal to base portion 34 of connector 30 andoriented with its receptacle accessible through the end wall. In theembodiment shown, jack 37 is a standard Ethernet jack having internalleads 37 a and adapted to receive an RJ-45 type plug, such as plug 10terminating twisted pair cable 2 shown in FIG. 3A, to connect theconnector 30 to a LAN.

The opposite leading end portion 33 of the connector 30 includes anintegral Ethernet compliant plug 35 at its tip, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 4Aand 4B. A series of conductive leads (not shown) extend internal toconnector 30 to connect the leads of jack 37 to corresponding contactsof plug 35. The plug 35 is compatible with internal jack 41 of first endcap assembly 40, and electrically connects to the jack when first endcap assembly 40 and connector 30 are in the fully engaged position. In apreferred form, the plug 35 does not have a flexible latching tab, whichis unnecessary because the snap-fit connection between the connector 30and first end cap assembly 40 retains the plug 35 firmly seated in thereceptacle 45 and prevents the plug 35 from backing out of the jack. Byomitting a latching tab, the plug 35 is easily removed from jack 41 whenthe connector 30 and lamp 50 are disengaged by operation of theactuators 36 a and 36 b in the manner described above. As an alternativeto the illustrated mounting location of jack 37 within the base portionof connector 30, the jack may be provided at the end of a short lengthof cable that extends from within the connector 30 and external thereof,with the cable operatively connecting the jack to the internalconductive leads of connector 30.

The connector 30 thus serves the dual functions of providing amechanical connection to securely mount an LED tube lamp to a support,and also providing for integrated power and data connectivity betweenthe LAN and internal components of the lamp. Specifically, connector 30receives power and data signals through plug 10 and transmits thesignals through the jack 37 and internal leads of the connector body tothe leading end plug 35, and ultimately to jack 41 of first end capassembly 40. The signals are further communicated through pins 43,connector board 46 and pins 48 to connector 53 internal to lamp body 59,from where they are further distributed to the LED emitter circuits andother internal components or circuitry of lamp 50. Connector 30 may alsocommunicate power and/or data signals emanating from internal componentsof the lamp 50 over the reverse path to the LAN.

The connector 30 advantageously decouples the function of securing thelamp to the support from the function forming a network connectionbetween the lamp and the external LAN. In particular, the snap-fitmechanical connection between the deployable members 38 a, 38 b and wall42 of first end cap assembly 40 firmly secures an end of the lamp 50 tothe support. Therefore, it is not necessary for plug 35 and jack 41 toengage each other in a manner that forms a strong mechanical connectionbetween those two components. Thus, the PoE enabled snap-fit connector30 enables the use of standard compliant Ethernet plugs and jacks forbringing integrated power and data connectivity to individual LED tubelamps, while overcoming the mechanical limitations of such standardEthernet connectors that would otherwise make them unsuitable for weightbearing applications. The connector system disclosed herein alsoovercomes the drawbacks of the conventional bi-pin lamp end caps andtombstone lamp holders discussed above, which are not only notwell-suited for LED tube lamp systems, but are incapable of transmittingintegrated power and data according to Ethernet or any other integratedpower and data standard.

In conventional linear LED tube lamps, the heat sink is typicallyfabricated of an electrically conductive metallic material such asaluminum or aluminum alloys. These materials dissipate heat efficientlywithout a significant increase in surface temperature. The heat sinkitself, as well as the printed circuit LED boards and other electricalcomponents within the lamp, present a safety hazard in AC-poweredsystems without proper electrical grounding. This is because the linevoltage or voltage input to the LED boards could be applied to the heatsink in the event of a short circuit, for example, if the insulationbetween the LEDs and/or internal driver circuitry and the heat sink isinadequate or deteriorates during use. This could lead to othercomponents within the assembly overheating and creating a fire hazard.It also creates an electrical shock hazard should the user come intophysical contact with the heat sink when inspecting the installed lamp.The electrical components within the lamp, such as LEDs and drivercircuits, are also susceptible to being damaged in the event of a powersurge. Because the lighting system of the present invention allows forpowering the lamps using low voltage DC power instead of much higher ACline voltage, grounding the heat sink is not critical. Such low voltageDC power does not present an appreciable risk of electric shock or fireor damage to internal lamp electronics. In addition, standard Ethernetcabling and connectors include dedicated ground wire/pins providingground protection to internal components of the LED lamp.

In one aspect of the invention, LED lamps are configured to receiveand/or transmit power and/or data at both ends of the lamp. An end capassembly 40 may be provided at each end of the lamp for this purpose.For example, such a lamp may receive power and data at one end andprovide power and/or data to another similarly configured lamp connectedin series by a jumper Ethernet cable. Single end power LED tubes lampshaving only one end configured to connect to the LAN are alsocontemplated. The connector 30 may be used at the powered end of thelamp. The opposite, no power end of the lamp may be secured to thesupport using a modified connector having comparable snap-fit connectorcomponents but omitting the integrated Ethernet jack at the base end andEthernet plug at the leading end. The end cap assembly at the oppositesecond end of such a lamp need not include an internal jack or end boardconnector, and serves mainly to receive the leading end portion of theconnector through a suitable opening and form a secure snap-fitconnection with the connector.

By eliminating the bi-pins of traditional fluorescent tube lamp designsand expanding the end cap into the region formerly occupied by thebi-pins, the invention allows network compatible linear LED lamps of avariety of particular design formats to be produced. The expanded sizeend cap assembly provides a relatively large enclosure for housingnecessary electrical components, offering an optimal degree of designflexibility to the manufacturer. In particular, the disclosed end capassembly can accommodate one or multiple PCB connector boards of avariety of sizes, which can be mounted in either a vertical orhorizontal orientation. The interior region also provides sufficientspace to mount off the shelf or customized Ethernet jack modules at aposition that does not interfere with the snap-fit mechanism of thedisclosed connectors. Associated circuitry, such as chipsets designed toimplement standardized Ethernet communication protocols, may be includedon a PCB within the end cap assembly or within the lamp body.

As the above embodiment illustrates, the snap-fit connector mechanismand lamp end cap assembly interact through linear motion of the lamp.That is, the installer moves each lamp end upwards towards a pre-mountedconnector so that the leading end portion of the connector insertslinearly into the end cap opening causing deployable parts of theconnector to deflect to the assembly position and then return to thefully engaged position, as previously explained. Installation does notinvolve rotating the lamp about its longitudinal axis, as is requiredwith traditional exposed bi-pin tube lamps. Modular Ethernet plug andjack connectors also interconnect linearly and without rotating onecomponent relative to the other, i.e., the plug inserts in a straightpath into the jack receptacle causing the components to latch together.The disclosed connector system thus provides for both mechanical andnetwork communications connections to be secured in a single action.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an LED tube lamp adapted forPoE implementation. The illustrated lamp 60 has a cylindrical tubeformat similar to the previously described lamp 50. The lamp 60 has anelongate body portion 69 including a metallic heat sink 65 extendingthroughout a generally upward facing portion of the circumference of thetubular body 69. A transparent or translucent lens portion 66 isattached to the heat sink and extends throughout a generally downwardfacing portion of the circumference of the tubular body 69. At least oneLED emitter panel 62 is mounted to head sink 65 and includes a series ofLEDs 64 providing a source of illumination.

The lamp 60 differs from lamp 50 primarily in the configuration of itsend cap assembly. As shown in FIG. 6, end cap assembly 70 has agenerally cylindrical configuration with sidewall 72 defining opening 71facing upward towards the support of a lighting fixture. End capassembly 70 includes a female-to-male adapter module 74 having generallyL-shaped body configuration. Such adapters are available from sourcessuch as Atlantic Computer Tech, Inc. (www.cablesonline.com). The adapter74 includes an Ethernet jack 76 having a vertically oriented receptacle77 accessible through an opening that is generally aligned with opening71. Adapter 74 also includes a horizontally extending Ethernet plug 78.The leads of jack 76 and corresponding contacts of plug 78 are connectedvia internal leads of adapter 74 (not shown). Ethernet jack 63 isconnected by pins to a PCB board internal to body 69 of lamp 60, whichmay be the same board that mounts the LED emitters or a separate board.The plug 78 of adaptor 74 is configured to insert within jack 63 fortransmitting power and data using Ethernet protocols between the end capassembly 70 and internal components of lamp 60. An Ethernet controller(not shown) is also provided for facilitating integrated power and datacommunication between lamp 60 and external devices of the LAN. SuchEthernet control components and other circuitry associated with powerand data communications of the lamp may be mounted in the end cap orwithin the lamp body as would be recognized by those skilled in the art.

The lamp 60 is adapted to form a snap-fit connection to connector 30 inessentially the same manner described above with reference to lamp 50.The plug 35 of connector 30 is compatible with the female jack 76 ofadaptor 74 such that lamp 60 may be connected to a LAN for integratedpower and data control through the connector 30. The snap-fit connectionholds the lamp securely in place on a support and maintains theconnection between plug 35 and the female jack 76 of adaptor 74. In thisembodiment, the communication path for power and data signals extendsfrom the connector 30 and through the adaptor 74 to the jack 63, whichdistributes the signals to other components internal to the lamp 60. Thesystem may similarly transmit power and data signals emanating from thelamp 60 through the reverse path.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a cylindrical linear LED lampadapted to be used in a networked lighting system. The lamp 80 has anend cap assembly comprising an Ethernet jack mounted to a horizontallyoriented PCB connector board for receiving the terminal plug end of aPoE snap-fit connector and transferring power and data between a networkand internal components of the lamp. The lamp 80 includes body portion89 including a metallic heat sink 85 extending throughout a generallyupward facing portion of the circumference of the tubular body 89, and atransparent or translucent lens portion 86 attached to the heat sink andextending throughout a generally downward facing portion of thecircumference of the tubular body 89. At least one LED emitter panel 82is mounted to heat sink 65 and includes a series of LEDs 84 providing asource of illumination.

The lamp 80 includes first end cap assembly 90 into which a first end 87of body portion 89 inserts. The assembly includes PCB connector board94, which is mounted in a horizontal orientation within the end capassembly. One end of the connector board 94 is supported within aninternal groove 99 of the end wall of the first end cap assembly, andthe connector board is further supported by vertically extending post95. The connector board 94 may be supported in this orientation withinend cap assembly 90 using any other mounting means. Connector board 94has pins 94 a for electrically connecting to connector 83 internal tothe lamp body. The connector 83 may be pinned to the LED emitter boardas shown in FIG. 7, or to a separate PCB board mounted within the lampbody. The PCB connector board 94 of first end cap assembly 90 allows formultiple components within the end cap assembly to be connected tocomponents internal to lamp 90, avoiding the drawbacks of soldered wireconnections.

As shown in FIG. 7, end cap assembly 90 includes jack 96 mounted toconnector board 94 by means of pins 93. The jack 96 is a standardEthernet jack compatible with plug 35 of connector 30. The jack 96 ispositioned such that the internal receptacle 97 opens upwardly towardsand is generally aligned with opening 91 of first end cap assembly 90.End connector board 94 may also include an Ethernet controller forfacilitating integrated power and data communication between lamp 80 andexternal devices of the LAN. Other circuit modules may also be mountedon the connector board as appropriate in a particular lamp design.Alternatively, Ethernet control components and other circuitryassociated with power and data communications of the lamp may be mountedwithin the lamp body.

The plug 35 of leading end 33 of connector 30 is compatible with thefemale jack 96 such that lamp 80 may be connected to a LAN forintegrated power and data control through the connector 30. The lamp 80with end cap assembly 90 as described herein is adapted to form asnap-fit connection to connector 30 in essentially the same mannerdescribed with reference to the previous lamp embodiments above. FIGS.8A and 8B show a perspective end view of the linear LED lamp of FIG. 7with the cylindrical end cap partially cut-away to further illustratehow the components of the PoE snap-fit connector system cooperate duringlamp installation. In FIG. 8A, connector 30 is shown mounted to support4. In this orientation, the jack 37 at the base end of the connectoropens upward and is accessible to plug 10 of cable 2. The connector 30may be connected to the LAN by inserting the plug 10 into the jack asshown in FIG. 8B. The first end of lamp 80 may be mounted to the support4 by positioning first end cap assembly 90 immediately below theconnector 30 so that the opening 98 is aligned with the downwardextending plug 35 of the connector. In this separated configuration,deployable parts 38 a and 38 b are in the engaged position as shown bythe solid lines in FIG. 8A. As the installer moves the lamp upward andleading end 33 is received within first end cap assembly 90, portions ofwall 92 at the edge of opening 98 engage the deployable parts 38 a, 38 band cause them to pivot inward towards their assembly position,indicated by the dotted lines, until the edge portions have advancedpast the deployable parts. As the edge portions clear the deployableparts, the deployable parts pivot back to the engaged position shown inFIG. 8B to captively hold the edge portions of sidewall 92 between theupward facing surfaces of the deployable parts and the opposite wallsurfaces of the base portion 34 of connector 30. This prevents the endcap assembly and the connector from separating. In this engagedconfiguration, the plug 35 of connector 30 is fully seated within thejack 96 as shown in FIG. 8B and is prevented from backing out of thejack receptacle 97 by the opposed surfaces of the deployable parts 38 a,38 b and the edge portions of wall 92.

The snap-fit connection thus holds the lamp securely in place on thesupport of a lighting fixture and maintains the connection between plug35 of connector 30 and the female jack 96. In this embodiment, thecommunication path for power and data signals extends from the connector30 and through the jack 96 and PCB connector 94 to the connector 83internal to lamp body 89, from where the signals are further distributedto other components internal to the lamp 80. The system may similarlytransmit power and data signals emanating from the lamp 80 through thereverse path. Squeezing actuators 36 a, 36 b causes the deployable parts38 a, 38 b to pivot to the assembly position shown by the dotted linesso that edge portions of wall 92 may slide downward below the deployableportions to separate the lamp from the connector 30.

Those skilled in the art will recognize from the teachings and exampleembodiments disclosed herein that the lamp end cap assembly may beprovided in other forms compatible with the PoE enabled snap-fitconnector systems of the invention. End cap assemblies of a variousgeometries can be manufactured to provide an upwardly facing sidewallregion having an opening for receiving the leading end portion of acorresponding snap-fit connector, and with the opening sized so that anedge portion of the side wall is captured by the deployable portions ofthe snap-fit connector as described herein. The internal components ofthe end cap assembly may by arranged in various ways to position aninternal jack relative to the opening so that the integral leading endplug of the snap-fit connector properly seats within the jack receptaclewhen the end cap assembly and connector are in the fully engagedposition. The electrical path from the jack to an internal connectionpoint of the lamp body may take on various forms, and is not limited tothe specific designs of the disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10, 11A and 11B illustrate another lighting systemcomprising a non-cylindrical linear LED lamp 100, which is configured tobe mounted to a lighting fixture using the same connector 30 describedabove. As is best shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10, the heatsink 106 of the illustrated lamp 100 is multi-sided with a generallytrapezoidal cross-sectional geometry in a plane perpendicular to thelength of the lamp body. A first side 124 extends generally horizontallyforming the upper surface of the lamp body in the installedconfiguration, and may include external fins 105 to improve heatdissipation. Angled second and third sidewalls 112, 114 provide mountingsurfaces for supporting emitter panels 102 and 108 in a V-orientationsuch that LEDs 104, 110 arranged along the length of the emitter panelsdistribute light generally downward and laterally over a wide area. Agenerally V-shaped or U-shaped transparent or translucent lens removablyattaches to the heat sink by inward projecting flanges 128 a, 128 b thatengage and seat with external grooves 107 a, 107 b at oppositeupper-right an upper-left corners of the heat sink. As shown in FIG. 9A,lamp 100 includes first and second end cap assemblies 116, 120 disposedat the opposite lamp ends having a corresponding generally triangularshape in a plane perpendicular to the length of the body. The lamp endsextend into a receptacle formed by the sidewalls of the end capassemblies as illustrated.

The internal components of end cap assembly 116 in this embodiment aresubstantially similar to those described above in connection with theembodiment of FIG. 7, although other specific designs such as thosedisclosed in the embodiments of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 could also be readilyimplemented in such an end cap. The end cap assembly 116, and optionallyend cap assembly 120, of lamp 100 includes an internal verticallyoriented Ethernet jack, which may be mounted within the end cap assemblyin any known manner and connected by leads to a connection pointinternal to the lamp body using known techniques. In the particularembodiment shown, end cap assembly 116 includes Ethernet jack 130, whichis pinned to a horizontally disposed PCB connector board 138 as shown inthe cut-away view of FIGS. 11A and 11B.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show a perspective end view of the LED tube lamp ofFIG. 9A with the cylindrical end cap partially cut-away to furtherillustrate how the components of the PoE snap-fit connector systemcooperate during lamp installation. The lamp 100 may be mounted to alighting fixture and placed in communication with a LAN utilizing theconnector 30 of the present system in essentially the same mannerdescribed for the cylindrical format LED lamps above. The plug 35 ofleading end 33 of connector 30 is compatible with the female jack 130.In FIG. 11A, connector 30 is shown mounted to support 4, and in thisorientation the jack 37 at the base end of the connector opens upward,and plug 10 inserts into the jack as shown in FIG. 11B. The first end oflamp 100 may be mounted to the support 4 by first positioning its firstend cap assembly 116 immediately below the connector 30 so that opening134 is aligned with and opposes the downward extending plug 35 of theconnector. In this separated configuration, deployable parts 38 a and 38b are in the engaged position as shown by the solid lines in FIG. 11A.As the installer moves the lamp upward and leading end 33 is receivedwithin first end cap assembly 116, portions of wall 136 at the edge ofopening 134 engage the deployable parts 38 a, 38 b and cause them topivot inward towards their assembly position indicated by the dottedlines until the edge portions have advanced past the deployable parts.As the edge portions clear the deployable parts, the deployable partspivot back to the engaged position shown in FIG. 11B to captively holdthe edge portions of sidewall between the upward facing surfaces of thedeployable parts and the opposite wall surfaces of the base portion 34of connector 30 and prevent separation of the end cap assembly from theconnector. In this engaged configuration, the plug 35 of connector 30 isfully seated within the jack 130 as shown in FIG. 11B and is preventedfrom backing out of the jack receptacle 132 by opposed surfaces of thedeployable parts 38 a, 38 b and the edge portions of wall 136.

The snap-fit connection thus holds the lamp securely in place on thesupport of a lighting fixture and maintains the connection between plug35 of connector 30 and the female jack 130. In this embodiment, thecommunication path for power and data signals extends from the connector30 and through the jack 130 and PCB connector 138 to a connectorinternal to the lamp body, from where the signals are furtherdistributed to other components internal to the lamp 100. The system maysimilarly transmit power and data signals emanating from the lamp 100through the reverse path to another networked device of the LAN.Squeezing actuators 36 a, 36 b causes the deployable parts 38 a, 38 b topivot to the assembly position shown by the dotted lines so that edgeportions of wall 136 may slide downward below the deployable portionsand to a position separated from the connector 30.

The format of lamp 100 supports implementing a variety of smart lightingtechnologies. The multi-sided heat sink 106 may house additional circuitboards containing sensors, wireless transmitters, processors and avariety of other electronic components. The planar, elongated internalsurfaces of the heat sink walls provide convenient mounting locationsfor these components. End connector board 138 of end cap assembly 116allows for connecting components housed within the end cap assembly withthose components mounted to the heat sink. Additionally, the multipleLED emitter panel design provides for improved lighting performance andefficiency, as the LEDs may be driven at a lower voltage and stilldistribute an adequate amount of light to illuminate a broad area. Thelarge number of available LEDs allows for other features, such asdedicating a subset of the LEDs to an emergency lighting circuit whilethe remaining LEDs are deployed for normal operation.

FIG. 27A shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative format that isalso well-suited for implementing network addressable LED linear lampsaccording to the principles of the inventions disclosed herein. The heatsink 1006 of the illustrated lamp 1000 is multi-sided with a partiallyconvexly curved cross-sectional geometry in a plane perpendicular to thelength of the lamp body. A first side 1024 extends generallyhorizontally forming the upper surface of the lamp body in the installedconfiguration, and may include external fins 1005 to improve heatdissipation. An arc-shaped second side 1010 extends from the first side1024 at opposite corners 1018 and 1019 of the heat sink. The second side1010 has a convex outer surface providing a mounting surface forsupporting LED emitter panel 1008, and a concave inner surface 1016. Thefirst side 1024 and second side 1010 converge to provide an enclosedregion internal to the lamp body. LED emitter panel 1008 comprisesmultiple LED emitters arranged on a PCB substrate 1017 and electricallyconnected in one or more circuits or subcircuits. It has a curvedcross-sectional lateral profile that generally conforms to thecross-sectional lateral profile of sidewall 1010. The LED emitters arearranged in three spaced rows the substrate 1017, depicted as 1011, 1012and 1013 respectively, which are arranged in three generally parallelrows along the length of LED emitter panel 1008. Mounting tabs 1020 and1021 extend from corners 1018 and 1019 respectively, defining slotssized to receive edge portions of LED emitter panel 1008 to secure theLED emitter panel to mounting surface of sidewall 1010. A suitableadhesive material may be used in addition to or instead of the mountingtabs to secure LED emitter panel 1008 to the heat sink. As shown in FIG.27A, the LED emitters of row 1012 are pointed downward along a verticalaxis, and the LED emitters of rows 1011 and 1013 are pointed in oppositelaterally outward directions from the vertical axis, when the lamp is inan installed overhead configuration with the first side 1024 facingupward. In this arrangement, the LED emitters distribute light generallydownward and laterally over a wide area. A generally V-shaped orU-shaped transparent or translucent lens 1026 removably attaches to theheat sink by inward projecting flanges 1028 a, 1028 b that engage andseat with external grooves formed in mounting flanges 1007 a, 1007 b atopposite lateral corners of heat sink 1006.

The LED emitter panel 1008 may comprise a rigid PCB substrate materialthat is fabricated with an arc-shaped cross-sectional profile matched tothat of sidewall 1010 or formed into such shape using a bendingoperation. Alternatively, the LED emitter panel 1008 may employavailable flexible PCB technology, which is used in various circuit andconnector applications, for example, in computer keyboards, cell phones,automotive dashboards, etc. The substrate may be formed of a flexiblepolymer material with a thin copper or other metal foil or filmdeposited on top of the substrate, from which the conductive elements ofthe circuit are etched. Other materials are also possible, as will beunderstood to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

The lamp 1000 is in other respects similar to the lamp 100, and includesfirst and second end cap assemblies (not shown) disposed at the oppositelamp ends thereof having a shape that conforms generally to thecross-sectional shape of the lamp 1000. The lamp ends extend into areceptacle formed by the sidewalls of the end cap assemblies. The lamp1000 and its end cap assemblies may include internal components that aresubstantially the same as or similar to those described above inconnection with the previously disclosed lamp embodiments, specificallyincluding a network communications jack mounted within one or both ofthe end cap assemblies and in electrical communication with LED emitterpanel 1008 and other internal components of lamp 1000 such that the lampcan be individually controlled as an addressable lighting node of anetworked automated LED lighting system. Similar to lamp 100, the lamp1000 is particularly well-suited for deploying a variety of smartlighting capabilities within the lamp itself, while providing optimizedlight performance and efficiency. The generally planar inner surface offirst side 1024 provides a suitable mounting location, protected withininternal chamber of heat sink 1006, for a variety of smart lightingcomponents, including internal control modules, sensors, battery back-upcircuits, etc. This format facilitates using a larger number of LEDarranged to distribute light over a wide area, increases lamp efficiencyby permitting the LEDs to be driven significantly below their maximumlight output, and, as explained further below, enables a variety ofadvanced color shifting and color tuning capabilities.

Turning back to the disclosed connector devices, the present inventionalso contemplates a snap-fit connector and Ethernet plug assembly thatdirectly terminates twisted wire Ethernet cable. One embodimentillustrating this aspect is shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B. The connector800 is similar to the embodiment illustrated as connector 30. It hasbase portion 834 and a narrowed leading end portion 833. Flange 832extends around the periphery of the base portion at a proximal endthereof. Flanges 831 a and 831 b extend outwardly from oppositesidewalls of base portion 834 and define slots between the flanges 831a, 831 b and the peripheral flange 832 for engaging tabs of a support ofa lighting fixture. Leading end portion 833 is configured to insert intoan opening in an upper surface of a lamp end cap assembly, and the tipportion of the leading end is configured as an Ethernet standard plug835 as shown. The leading end portion 833 has deployable parts 838 a,838 b attached to the sidewalls by live hinges 839 a, 839 b, whichoperate in essentially the same manner as the corresponding parts ofconnector 30. Connector 800 also includes actuators 836 a, 836 bconnected to the deployable parts 838 a, 838 b on opposite sides forcausing the corresponding deployable parts to shift back and forthbetween the engaged and assembly positions.

In the connector 800, the integral jack shown in the previous connectorembodiment 30 is eliminated, and connector 800 includes a centralchannel 842 extending from its base end to the leading end and providinga pathway for an end portion of cable 850 to extend through theconnector directly to the pins or contacts 840 of plug 835. Theindividual wires 855 of the cable 850 are crimped to the pins orcontacts 840 of plug 835 in the conventional manner. The wire crimpingstep can be performed during installation of the lighting system.Alternatively, the connector 800 may be supplied as an assemblyincluding both the connector 800 and a pre-attached branch cable ofpredetermined length. The assembly may also include a modular connectorat the opposite end of the branch cable allowing for the connectorassembly to be conveniently plugged into a corresponding modularconnector of a main cable line of a networked lighting system.

FIGS. 31A and 31B provide a perspective view of an alternative connectorsuitable to directly terminate twisted wire Ethernet cable. The outerhousing of connector 1300, and the primary mechanical componentsoperable to connect an end of a linear tube lamp to a support, aresubstantially similar to corresponding components of the embodimentsdiscussed above, in particular the embodiments of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A to4C, 12A, 12B and 25A, 25B. Thus, as shown on FIG. 31A, connector 1300has base portion 1330 and a leading end portion 1380. Flange 1340extends around the periphery of the base portion at a proximal endthereof. The flange 1340 has peripheral portions that extend outwardlyfrom opposite sidewalls of base portion 1330, which define slots 1362 onopposite sides of the base portion between opposed surfaces of flangeportions 1360 extending from opposite sidewalls of the base portion. Theslots are sized to receive and frictionally hold mounting tabs extendingfrom a support surface of linear tube lamp lighting fixture or othersupport structure, whereby the connector 1300 and support can be pressconnected by a simple sliding movement of the connector relative to themounting tabs.

The leading end portion 1380 has a narrowed profile sized to be insertedthrough an opening in an upper facing sidewall of an end cap assemblymounted at an end of a LED linear lamp. Shoulders 1336, 1338 at thejuncture of leading end portion 1380 and base portion 1330 abut againstthe upper facing sidewall in this configuration. Leading end portion1380 of connector 1300 has deployable parts 1322, 1324 formed onopposite sides thereof. The connector and lamp end cap assembly form asecure mechanical connection in essentially the same manner described inrelation to previously explained embodiments. The connector 1300 isconfigured so that each deployable part 1322, 1324 engages an edge ofthe opening and is progressively cammed from a holding position, towardsan assembly position, and back towards the holding position as the lampend cap assembly is moved upward to and into the engaged position.Portions of the upper sidewall at the edge of the end cap assemblyopening then reside captively between opposed surfaces of the deployablepart 1322, 1324 and shoulders 1336, 1338 of connector 1300 in theengaged position.

As in other disclosed embodiments, connector 1300 has actuators 1332,1335 connected to the deployable parts 1322, 1324 respectively onopposite sides for causing the corresponding deployable parts to shiftback and forth between the holding and assembly positions. The installercan grip and squeeze the actuators, as between two fingers, towards eachother, thereby shifting both deployable parts 1322, 1324 from theirholding positions into their assembly positions.

FIG. 31B shows an Ethernet cable 1370 that has been terminated with theconnector 1300. The cable 1370 has eight insulated conductors 1372,which may be insulated copper wires, enclosed in an outer jacket. Theinsulated wires 1372 are arranged as four twisted pairs of wiresextending along of the length of the network cable. The insulator covermaterial for each wire will typically have a unique color pattern toenable each wire to be readily identified. To install the connector 1300to the cable, the two wires of each pair are untwisted and partiallyseparated from each other after an end portion of the outer jacked hasbeen cut away and removed, as shown in the figure. The rear face ofconnector 1300 defines an opening 1344 providing a pathway for an endportion of network cable 1370 to be inserted into the interior spacewithin sidewalls of the connector housing. The connector may includebracket member 1333 extending internal of the connector housing betweenopposite sidewalls of base portion 1330. Bracket member 1333 includescentral guideway 1334. Network cable 1370 may thus be inserted throughthe opening 1344 and advanced linearly through guideway 1334 to positionthe end thereof centrally within the interior region of the connector.

Leading end portion 1380 of the connector 1300 includes an integralEthernet compliant plug portion 1310 at its tip, as shown in FIGS. 31Aand 31B. The body of the plug portion houses a series of insulationdisplacement contacts 1312, which are aligned with correspondinglinearly extending slots 1318 formed in the outer housing of plugportion 1310. The particular plug illustrated provides eight positions,each containing a contact, which is representative of the conventionalRJ-45 plug commonly used to terminate twisted pair cable in Ethernetnetworks. As mentioned above, other modular plugs containing 4, 6 and 10positions, and varying numbers of contacts, are also available and knownto those skilled in the art. Each of the IDC terminals 1312 includes anengagement portion 1314 that is exposed through a corresponding slot andconfigured to engage and form an electrical connection with acorresponding conductive contact of an Ethernet jack when the plugportion is inserted into the internal port of the jack. Multiple blades1316 of a conductive material extend perpendicular from the engagementportion 1314. The blades 1316 include grooves for receiving an insulatedwire portion and have serrated or sharp edges for piercing the outerwire insulation and forming electrical contact with the conductive wire.

An internal wall 1320 of the connector 1300 adjacent a forward endthereof includes a series of adjacent passages 1331. Each passageextends from the main interior region of the connector to a forward endof plug portion 1310 and is sized to receive an individual wire of thenetwork cable. Each passage is generally aligned laterally with theblade groove of a corresponding one of the insulation displacementcontacts so that the passages guide each wire into proximity with one ofthe grooves as the wire is advanced linearly forward and into the plugportion. Each IDC terminal corresponds to a particular one of the wiresin predetermined manner. A color coding or other scheme may be utilizedto identify the passage or IDC terminal corresponding to each wire.After each of the eight wires have been so positioned adjacent theblades of a IDC terminals 1312, as illustrated in FIG. 31B, a crimpingtool may be used to impart force on the contacts causing the blades topierce the wire insulators in a manner familiar to those skilled in theart to electrically connect the cable wires to the plug portion ofconnector 1300.

Connector 1300 further includes a pivoting cover 1390, which opens toprovide convenient access to the interior of the connector housing toallow for advancing the network cable wires through the slots and intoengagement with the insulation displacement contacts as described. Thecover 1390 includes a top wall 1356 that extends laterally betweenopposite sidewalls of the connector, and a pair of opposite sides 1352extending perpendicular from the top wall 1356. The cover includes apair of opposite legs 1354 that attach to opposite ends of mountingbracket 1328 by fasteners 1376. The cover can pivot about a rotationalaxis extending laterally through the mounting bracket. A latch 1358 islocated at the opposite end of the cover. FIGS. 31A and 31B show thecover in an open configuration providing access to the interior of theconnector. After threading the wires through the slots and into contactwith the IDCs, the installer may rotate the cover to a closedorientation (not shown), in which edges 1350 of sides 1352 abut againstedges of the opposite sidewalls of the connector so that the connectorhas a low profile rectangular shape similar to that of the previouslydescribed embodiments. With the cover in the closed position, the latch1358 engages flange 1340 with a protruding portion of the latch seatedwithin a notched region 1342 of the flange to hold the cover in theclosed position. After the contacts have been crimped to the wires, theconnector 1300 may then affixed to a lighting fixture or other supportstructure and used to mount one end of the lamp to the support. Thelatch may also be released from the flange portion to permit the coverto be opened should it later becomes necessary to access the interiorwiring of the connector.

An alternate embodiment of a PoE snap-fit connector and plug will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 32. The connector 1400 disclosed inthis figure is configured to terminate a network cable via IDC terminalsdisposed at the base end of the connector. The mechanical components ofconnector 1400 for connecting an end portion of a linear lamp to asupport are essentially the same as those of previously disclosedembodiments. Thus, connector 1400 includes base portion 1430 and aleading end portion 1490. Flange 1440 extends around the periphery ofthe base portion at a proximal end thereof. The flange 1440 hasperipheral portions that extend outwardly from opposite sidewalls ofbase portion 1430, which define slots 1474 on opposite sides of the baseportion between opposed surfaces of flange portions 1472 extending fromopposite sidewalls of the base portion. The slots are sized to receiveand frictionally hold mounting tabs extending from a support surface oflinear tube lamp lighting fixture or other support structure, wherebythe connector 1400 and support can be press connected by a simplesliding movement of the connector relative to the mounting tabs.

The leading end portion 1490 has a narrowed profile sized to be insertedthrough an opening in an upper facing sidewall of an end cap assemblymounted at an end of a LED linear lamp, with shoulders 1437, 1438 onopposite corners of base portion 1430 abutting against the upper facingsidewall in this engaged configuration. Leading end portion 1490 ofconnector 1400 has deployable parts 1422, 1424 formed on opposite sidesthereof. The connector and lamp end cap assembly form a securemechanical connection in essentially the same manner described inrelation to previously explained embodiments. The connector 1400 isconfigured so that each deployable part 1422, 1424 engages an edge ofthe opening and is progressively cammed from a holding position, towardsan assembly position, and back towards the holding position as the lampend cap assembly is moved upward to and into the engaged position.Portions of the upper sidewall at the edge of end cap assembly openingthen reside captively between opposed surfaces of the deployable part1422, 1424 and shoulders 1437, 1438 of connector 1400 in the engagedposition. Actuators 1432, 1435 are connected to the deployable parts1422, 1424 respectively on opposite sides for causing the correspondingdeployable parts to shift back and forth between the engaged and holdingpositions.

Ethernet compatible network cable 1480 has eight insulated wiresarranged in twisted pairs enclosed in an outer jacket, and is shown withthe forward ends of the wires 1482 untwisted and partially separatedfrom each other after an end portion of the outer jacket has beenremoved. The rear face of connector 1400 defines an opening 1436providing a pathway for the forward end portion of the cable to beinserted into the interior of the base portion of the connector housing.A series of eight IDC terminals 1450 are disposed internal of the baseportion. The IDC terminals are mounted to a dielectric substrate (notshown). The IDC terminals maybe arranged in a compact configurationconsisting of two parallel rows extending between opposite sidewalls,with the rows staggered from each other in the lateral direction. EachIDC terminal corresponds to a particular one of the network cable wiresin predetermined manner. A color coding or other scheme may be utilizedto identify the IDC terminal corresponding to each wire. The terminalseach have a pair of opposite conductive blades 1452 extendingperpendicular from a base thereof. Sharp edge portions 1454 of theblades oppose each other on opposite sides of a vertical slot betweenthe blades and are configured to pierce the outer wire insulation andform electrical contact with the conductive wire when the wire ispositioned with the slot and wire and edge portions are forced againsteach other.

Connector 1400 further includes a pivoting cover 1492, which opens toprovide access to the interior of the connector housing allowing forarranging the wires into engagement with the insulation displacementcontacts. The cover 1492 includes a top wall 1456 that extends laterallybetween opposite sidewalls of the connector, and a pair of sides 1450extending perpendicular from the top wall. The cover includes a pair ofopposite legs 1455 that form pivoting connections at opposite ends ofmounting bracket 1428 by means of fasteners 1470. FIG. 32 shows thecover in an open configuration providing access to the interior of thebase portion of the connector. A series of spaced plastic fins 1458extend perpendicular from the inside surface of top wall 1456 of thecover. The fins are positioned such that, with the cover in the closedposition, the fins extend between pairs of adjacent IDC terminals. Withthe cover in a slightly open configuration, each wire may be manuallypositioned into one the slots formed between adjacent fins of the cover,which are aligned with the slots of the IDC terminals blades. After thewires have been so positioned, the cover may be rotated to a closedorientation (not shown), in which edges 1453 of sides 1450 abut againstedges of the opposite sidewalls of the base portion of the connector sothat the connector has a low profile rectangular shape similar to thatof the previously described embodiments. Closing the cover forces thewires into engagement with the blades to facilitate piercing the wireinsulators and to securely retain the wires in an engaged configurationwith the IDC terminals. The fins also provide an insulating barrierbetween adjacent IDC terminals to electrical interference or“cross-talk” between the terminals.

Leading end portion 1490 of the connector 1400 includes an integralEthernet compliant plug portion 1410 at its tip, as shown in FIG. 31.The body of the plug portion houses a series of IDC terminals 1412,which are aligned with corresponding linearly extending slots (notshown) formed in the outer housing of plug portion 1410. The particularplug illustrated provides eight positions, each containing a contact,which is representative of the conventional RJ-45 plug commonly used toterminate twisted pair cable in Ethernet networks, although other plugconfigurations may also be used. Each of the contacts 1412 includes anengagement portion that is exposed through a corresponding slot andconfigured to engage and form an electrical connection with acorresponding conductive contact of an Ethernet jack when the plugportion is inserted into the internal port of the jack. The IDCterminals 1450 at the base of the connector are electrically paired withcorresponding ones of the contacts 1412 via internal conductive leads1414 extending from the IDC terminals to the contacts 1412. Theconnector 1400 thus provides isolated pathways for communicatingelectrical signals received on respective wires of a network cable to acorresponding isolated conductive contact of an Ethernet jack, and alsoin the reverse direction. The conductive leads may be provided as aprinted wire board extending within the housing from the base portion tothe plug portion, in which the wires or traces are spaced from eachother and extend substantially parallel to each other along a dielectricsubstrate (not shown). The wire board may be part of the same substrateboard on which the IDC terminals are mounted or provided as a separateboard. A base portion of each IDC terminal is formed to connect with oneof the leads of the wire board so that the IDC terminal andcorresponding trace form an electrical connection between a wire of thenetwork cable and one of the contacts 1412 of the plug. Alternatively,the conductive leads may be mounted or adhered to an internal wallsurface of the connector housing, integrated with the housing using inlaid injection molding techniques, or provided by any other availablemeans.

The connector 1400 can thus terminate a network cable at the base end ofthe connector and form an operable power and data interface with a jackassociated with a linear LED lamp. Once affixed to a cable, theconnector 1400 may be secured to a lighting fixture or other supportstructure in the manner described. In the case of a networked lightingsystem designed for network connectivity at both ends of the LED lamps,a second such connector is affixed to a second cable and installed atthe opposite mounting location of the support. An LED lamp having thedisclosed end connector and integrated Ethernet jack system at each lampend may then be mounted on the support by advancing the lamp ends in agenerally linear path traverse to the length of the lamp and intoengagement with the connectors 1400 in the manner previously described.If it is desired to provide network connectivity to only one end of thelamp, an alternative snap-fit mechanical connector not configured withelectrical networking components, such as the connector 750 of FIG. 23,may be used to secure the second end of the lamp to the supportstructure.

Another embodiment of an integrated connector and network plug systemwill now be described with reference to FIG. 33. The connector 1500 issimilar in overall form and mechanical operation as the connector 1400just discussed, but has an alternative IDC terminal system at its baseend for connecting to a network cable.

Thus, connector 1500 includes base portion 1536 and a leading endportion 1540. Flange 1510 extends around the periphery of the baseportion at a proximal end thereof. The flange 1510 has peripheralportions that extend outwardly from opposite sidewalls of base portion1536, which define slots 1512 on opposite sides of the base portionbetween opposed surfaces of flange portions 1539 extending from oppositesidewalls of the base portion. The slots are sized to receive andfrictionally hold mounting tabs extending from a support surface oflinear tube lamp lighting fixture or other support structure, wherebythe connector 1500 and support can be press connected by a simplesliding movement of the connector relative to the mounting tabs.

The leading end portion 1540 has a narrowed profile sized to be insertedthrough an opening in an upper facing sidewall of an end cap assemblymounted at an end of a LED linear lamp, with shoulders 1544, 1545 onopposite corners of base portion 1536 abutting against the upper facingsidewall in this engaged configuration. Leading end portion 1540 ofconnector 1500 has deployable parts 1542, 1546 formed on opposite sidesthereof. The connector and lamp end cap assembly form a securemechanical connection in essentially the same manner described inrelation to previously explained embodiments. The connector 1500 isconfigured so that each deployable part 1542, 1546 engages an edge ofthe opening and is progressively cammed from a holding position, towardsan assembly position, and back towards the holding position as the lampend cap assembly is moved upward to and into the engaged position.Portions of the upper sidewall at the edge of end cap assembly openingthen reside captively between opposed surfaces of the deployable part1542, 1546 and shoulders 1544, 1545 of connector 1500 in the engagedposition. Actuators 1525, 1529 are connected to the deployable parts1542, 1546 respectively on opposite sides for causing the correspondingdeployable parts to shift back and forth between the engaged and holdingpositions.

Ethernet compatible network cable 1590 is shown with eight insulatedwires 1592 having end portions extending from the outer jacket forengaging an IDC terminal of the connector. The rear face of connector1500 defines an opening 1522 providing a pathway for the forward endportion of the cable to be inserted into the interior of the baseportion of the connector housing. A series of eight IDC terminals 1538are mounted on a dielectric board (not shown) internal of the baseportion arranged in two rows of four terminals adjacent oppositesidewalls of the housing as shown. Each IDC terminal includes a pair ofopposite conductive blades 1528 extending perpendicular from a base 1526thereof. Sharp edge portions 1524 of the blades oppose each other onopposite sides of a vertical slot between the blades and are configuredto pierce the outer wire insulation and form electrical contact with theconductive wire when the wire is positioned with the slot and wire andedge portions are forced against each other.

An insulative protective lid 1570 is disposed within the interior of thehousing. The lid comprises a planar platform portion 1572 and has aseries of vertically extending dividers 1576 arranged in two parallelrows at opposite lateral sides of the platform 1572. The lid is formedof plastic or other insulative material. It includes mounting posts 1574extending from a bottom surface at each corner of the platform forengaging corresponding openings formed in the mounting board (not shown)of the IDC terminal system. The mounting posts position the lid so thatopenings 1578 in the platform 1572 between adjacent pairs of dividersare aligned with the vertically extending blades of the IDC terminals.The blades 1528 extend through the openings and reside within grooves1571 formed in opposed sidewalls of the dividers, with the verticalslots between opposed sharp edge portions 1524 positioned in the spacebetween adjacent dividers.

Leading end portion 1550 of the connector 1500 includes an integralEthernet compliant plug portion 1550 at its tip, as shown in FIG. 33.The body of the plug portion houses a series of contacts 1556, which arealigned with corresponding linearly extending slots 1554 formed in theouter housing 1552 of plug portion 1550. The particular plug illustratedprovides eight positions, each containing a contact, which isrepresentative of the conventional RJ-45 plug commonly used to terminatetwisted pair cable in Ethernet networks, although other plugconfigurations may also be used. Each of the contacts 1556 includes anengagement portion that is exposed through a corresponding slot andconfigured to engage and form an electrical connection with acorresponding conductive contact of an Ethernet jack when the plugportion is inserted into the internal port of the jack. The IDCterminals 1538 are electrically paired with corresponding ones of thecontacts 1556 via conductive leads 1521 extending internal of theconnector housing from the IDC terminals to the contacts. The connector1500 thus provides isolated pathways for communicating electricalsignals received on respective wires of a network cable to acorresponding isolated conductive contact of an Ethernet jack, and alsoin the reverse direction. The conductive leads may be provided as aprinted wire board extending within the housing from the base portion tothe plug portion, in which the wires or traces are spaced from eachother and extend substantially parallel to each other along a dielectricsubstrate (not shown). The wire board may be a portion of the same boardthat supports the IDC terminals or as a separate board. The base portion1526 of each IDC terminal 1538 is formed to connect with one of theleads of the wire board so that the IDC terminal and corresponding traceform an electrical connection between a wire of the network cable andone of the contacts 1556 of the plug. Alternatively, the conductiveleads may be mounted or adhered to an internal wall surface of theconnector housing, integrated with the housing using in laid injectionmolding techniques, or provided by any other available means.

Connector 1500 further includes a pivoting cover 1530, which opens toprovide convenient access to the interior of the connector housing toallow for arranging the wires into engagement with the insulationdisplacement contacts. FIG. 33 shows the cover in an open configurationproviding access to the interior of the base portion of the connector.With the cover in the open configuration, and the lid 1570 mounted overthe IDC terminals, network cable 1590 maybe inserted through opening1522 and into the central interior region of the base portion of thehousing between the two rows of dividers 1576. The installer maymanipulate each wire so that its end portion extends laterally along thespace between a pair of adjacent dividers. The wire is then pushed intothe vertical slot between opposite blades of the corresponding IDCterminal and against the sharp edge portions 1524 thereof to pierce thewire insulators and securely retain the wires in an engagedconfiguration with the IDC terminals. A suitable tool may be used to“punch” the wires into engagement with the IDC blades, as is generallyknown in the art for other IDC connection systems. Four wires arebrought into contact with corresponding ones of the first row of IDCterminals on one lateral side, and four wires are brought into contactwith corresponding ones of the second row of IDCs at the oppositelateral side. Each IDC terminal corresponds to a particular one of thenetwork cable wires in predetermined manner. A color coding or otherscheme may be utilized to identify the IDC terminal corresponding toeach wire.

After the wires have been connected with the IDC terminals, the covermay be rotated to a closed orientation (not shown) so that the connectorhas a low profile rectangular shape similar to that of the previouslydescribed embodiments. The cover includes latch member 1532 havingresilient protrusion 1534 configured to engage a notched portion ofhousing and retain the cover in a closed configuration. Once affixed toa cable, the connector 1500 may be secured to a lighting fixture orother support structure in the manner described and used in a variety ofnetworked lighting system architectures much like the other disclosedconnector embodiments.

An alternative embodiment of a PoE enabled snap-fit connector assemblyproviding network cable access from a lateral approach will now bediscussed. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, connector 150 is substantiallysimilar to the connector 30 described above except that its jack 157 isaccessible through a sidewall of base portion 154 rather than throughthe end wall of the base portion. Thus, connector 150 has base portion154 and a narrowed leading end portion 153. Flange 152 extends aroundthe periphery of the base portion at a proximal end thereof. Flanges 151a and 151 b extend outwardly from opposite sidewalls of base portion 154and define slots between the flanges 151 a, 151 b and the peripheralflange 152 for mounting to tabs of a lighting fixture or other support.Leading end portion 153 has narrowed profile configured to permit theleading end to insert into an opening in an upper surface of a lamp endcap assembly, and the tip portion of the leading end is configured as anEthernet standard plug 155 as shown. The leading end portion 153 hasdeployable parts 158 a, 158 b formed on opposite sides thereof andattached by live hinges 159 a, 159 b to the sidewalls, which operate inessentially the same manner as the corresponding parts of connector 30.Connector 150 also includes actuators 156 a, 156 b connected to thedeployable parts 158 a, 158 b on opposite sides for causing thecorresponding deployable parts to shift back and forth between theengaged and assembly positions.

The jack 157 is mounted internal to base portion 154 of connector 150and oriented with its receptacle accessible through a sidewall thereof.In the embodiment shown, jack 157 is a standard Ethernet jack containinginternal leads 157 a and adapted to receive an RJ-45 type plug, toconnect the connector 30 to a LAN. The connector 150 has internal leads(not shown) connecting the leads of jack 157 to the pins 155 a ofleading end plug 155. The connector 150 is mounted to the lightingfixture so that the receptacle opening of jack 157 faces outward awayfrom the LED tube lamp. The connector 150 is suitable for installationsin lighting fixtures or other support structures whose geometry providesa pathway for the network cable to be plugged into the jack using alateral approach. It circumvents potential difficulties associated withrouting the network cable to the connector from above the lightingfixture or other support structure in a vertical approach. Connector 150also permits the plug to be removed from the jack without detaching theconnector 150 from the support or displacing ceiling tiles to access thearea above the lighting fixture.

The embodiments disclosed above illustrate various non-limitingembodiments of a network enabled snap-fit connector assembly thatfunctions as a safe and secure lamp holder for LED tube lamps and alsoprovides integrated power and data communications directly to individuallamps. The snap-fit connector embodiments disclosed thus far areconfigured for LED lighting systems deployed over Ethernet networks.Because Ethernet computer networks are an attractive option fordeploying connected solid state linear lighting systems, the principlesof the snap-fit connector assemblies and novel LED tube lamp end capassemblies of the invention have been illustrated by reference toembodiments configured for standard Ethernet plugs and jacks. However,the invention is not limited to Ethernet implementations. The disclosedsnap-fit connector system is readily adaptable to a variety of otherintegrated power and data networking standards including, for example,USB, FireWire and any other existing or future standard utilizing smallform factor plug-in type connectors. By eliminating externallyprotruding bi-pins of traditional fluorescent tubes and first generationLED replacement tubes, the disclosed end caps provide an enlargedhousing while keeping the overall lamp length compatible with existinglighting fixtures. This makes it possible to house modular connectors ofvarious geometries within the end cap. The end cap assemblies furtheraccommodate one or more PCB connector boards and associated control andcommunications modules, processors and or circuitry. The particularelectronic components required for a given power and data communicationsprotocol can easily be included on the end cap PCB connector and/or on aPCB inside the lamp body.

The disclosed network compatible snap-fit connectors may be producedusing conventional manufacturing techniques with the leading endconforming to any standardized plug design. As discussed above, thesnap-fit mechanism provides a secure connection between the connectorand end cap assembly that supports the weight of the lamp. It allows forengaging the lamp end cap assembly and the connector using a linearapproach not involving rotational motions during installation. Thisfacilitates deploying standard, linearly engaging plugs and jacks tomake a network connection within the end cap assembly as a consequenceof the lamp being attached to the connector. The snap-fit mechanismsecures the lamp so that the network connection internal to the end capassembly need not be designed to be weight bearing. The disclosedsnap-fit connector system is thus highly customizable, and can beadapted to mechanically and digitally connect network capable LED tubelamps of the type disclosed herein to any type of integrated power anddata network using the particular network connection protocols andmodular connector designs of the applicable standard.

In another aspect, the invention contemplates a connector assemblyconfigured with essentially the same snap-fit mechanism previouslydisclosed, but adapted to permit a network cable to extend through theconnector body and plug directly into the lamp end cap assembly jack.FIGS. 13A to 13D show an embodiment of a connector assembly inaccordance with this aspect of the invention. The illustrated connector160 has base portion 164 with flange 162 extending around the peripheryof the base portion at a proximal end thereof. Flanges 161 a and 161 bextend outwardly from opposite sidewalls of base portion 164 and defineslots between the flanges 161 a, 161 b and the peripheral flange 162 forengaging tabs of a support of a lighting fixture. Leading end portion170 has a narrowed profile to permit the leading end to insert into anopening in an upper surface of a lamp end cap assembly. The leading endportion 170 has deployable parts 168 a, 168 b attached to the sidewallsby live hinges 169 a, 169 b, which operate in essentially the samemanner as described above with respect to the corresponding parts ofconnector 30. Connector 160 also includes actuators 166 a, 166 bconnected to the deployable parts 168 a, 168 b on opposite sides forcausing the corresponding deployable parts to shift back and forthbetween the engaged and assembly positions. It operates in substantiallythe same way as the previously disclosed connector embodiments to engageand connect to a lamp end cap assembly, with leading end 170 insertingthrough an opening and residing internal to the end cap assembly, anddeployable parts 168 a, 168 b capturing edge portions of the end capside wall proximate the opening between upper surfaces thereof andopposed surfaces of base portion 164.

In the connector 160, the integral jack and leading end plug of thepreviously discussed connector embodiment 30 are eliminated. Theconnector 160 includes a central channel 172 extending from a firstopening in the end wall at its base end to a second opening in theopposite end wall of the leading end. The channel 172 provides a pathwayallowing an Ethernet cable 2 with terminal plug 10 to extend throughconnector 160 from its base end to its leading end as shown. A firstsidewall of leading end portion 170 defines a rectangular cutout 174extending from its leading edge as shown in FIG. 13C. When the lamp endcap assembly, connector 160 and plug 10 are in an engaged configuration,a leading end first portion of plug 10 and its latching tab 14 arepositioned forward of the leading edge of connector 160, and a secondportion of the plug and latching tab are positioned rearward of theleading edge. In that position, the cutout 174 is aligned adjacent tothe second portion of the tab 14 to allow the tab to be shifted betweena depressed position in which the tab resides within the sidewall andits natural position in which a portion of the tab extends through thecutout and external to the sidewall.

FIG. 13E shows one embodiment of an end cap assembly 180 of an LED tubelamp (not shown) designed to be installed on a support using connector160. FIG. 13E has a reduced scale relative to that of FIGS. 13A-D. Theend cap assembly 180 has a generally planar upper sidewall 184 andcurved sidewall 182 which define a receptacle 181 for receiving an endof the body portion of an LED tube lamp. PCB connector board 189 ismounted in a horizontal orientation within the receptacle, and jack 187is mounted on the connector board as shown. The PCB connector board 189further comprises connector 183 having leads 185 for communicating powerand/or data signals to components within the associated LED lamp body.The upper sidewall 184 defines generally rectangular opening 186 forreceiving leading end portion 170 of connector 160. Jack 187 opensupward toward the opening 186 in upper sidewall 184, and the twoopenings are generally aligned. The opening 186 includes groove 188extending along the internal surface of the end wall. The groove 188 isaligned with cutout 174 when the connector 160 and end cap assembly 180are in the engaged configuration, and also aligned with latching tab 14of plug 10 when the plug is inserted in the jack 187.

The end cap assembly 180 disposed at a first end of an LED tube lamp mayengage with connector 160 to secure a first lamp end to a support. Inone approach, end cap assembly 180 is translated upward in asubstantially straight path and into an engaged position in whichleading end portion 170 of connector 160 resides within the end capassembly and deployable parts 168 a, 168 b capture edge portions ofupper sidewall 184 proximate opening 186. After the end cap assembly 180is securely mated with connector 160, the plug 10 and cable 2 may beadvanced through the central channel 172 of the connector downwardtowards jack 187. As the plug 10 is advanced along this pathway, its tab14 is held in its depressed position by the opposed internal sidewall ofthe channel 172. The plug 10 advanced downward in the channel until theleading end portion thereof passes through the opening 186 into the endcap assembly and inserts within the receptacle of jack 187 to connectthe lamp to the network. In this position, the latching tab 14 shiftsback to its natural position as permitted by the cutout 174 in connector160 and the groove 188 of the end cap assembly. In an alternativeapproach, the installer may first advance plug 10 through connector 160and into engagement with jack 187 of end cap assembly 180, and then movethe end cap assembly and plug upward and into the engaged positionrelative to connector 160 to attach a first end of the lamp to thesupport. To separate the components, the tab 14 is depressed to unlockplug 10 from the jack 187, and the actuators 166 a, 166 b are squeezedto disengage the deployable parts 168 a, 168 b from the end cap assembly180, permitting the end cap assembly to be separated from connector 160in the same manner described with regard to other embodiments above.

As with the earlier disclosed lamps and end cap embodiments, LED tubelamps may be provided with an end cap assembly 180 at a single end or atboth ends of the lamp, depending on whether it is desired to communicatepower and data to and/or from the lamp at one or both ends. For lampsdesigned to receive or transmit power and/or data at only one end, theopposite end preferably includes an end cap of similar design having anopening sized to receive the leading end of another connector 160 butomitting the internal PCB connector board and jack assembly.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate another embodiment of a snap-fit connectorassembly in accordance with the invention. The connector 190 shown inthis embodiment is similar to the previously described connector 160except that it is adapted for use with a standard Universal Serial Bus(USB) cable instead of an Ethernet cable. As mentioned above, USB cablesand connectors conform to industry standards, which includecommunications protocols for connection, data communication, and powersupply between computers, computer peripherals and other devices, suchas smartphones, PDAs and video game consoles. Current USB standardsspecify the use of twisted pair cabling and specify standard cable canhave a maximum length of 3-5 meters depending on device type. There arecurrently several available types of USB cable plugs available and knownto those skilled in the art (including for example Type-A, Type-B,Mini-A, Mini-B, Micro-A, Micro-B, Standard A, Standard B, USB 3.0 microB, and Type-C), and the connector assemblies disclosed herein canreadily be adapted for use with any of these. Each plug type has acorresponding port type into which the plug may insert (Type-A plugsmate only with Type-A port, etc.). In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 14A and 14B, standard USB cable 210 terminates in a Type-A plug212, which has a leading end 214 in the form of a flattened rectanglethat inserts into a port receptacle on the USB host, or a hub, andcarries both power and data. This type of plug is frequently used oncables that are permanently attached to a device, such as one connectinga keyboard or mouse to the computer via USB connection. The plug 212includes both data pins and power pins (not shown) recessed within theplug. In one alternative, available USB plugs that provide powerconnections but no data connections may be used if only power is to besupplied to the lamp.

Embodiments according to this aspect of the invention provide aconvenient and reliable mechanism for mounting an LED tube lamp to asupport and communicating power and/or data to and from the lamp usingstandard USB cabling and protocols. Given the length limitation imposedby applicable standards, the USB cables would typically be deployed asbranch cables a main network line to LED lamps over short distances. Asshown in the figures, connector 190 has base portion 194 with flange 192extending around the periphery of the base portion at a proximal endthereof. Flanges 191 a and 191 b extend outwardly from oppositesidewalls of base portion 194 and define slots between the flanges 191a, 191 b and the peripheral flange 192 for engaging tabs of a support ofa lighting fixture. Leading end portion 200 has a narrowed profile topermit the leading end to insert into an opening in an upper surface ofa corresponding lamp end cap assembly. The leading end portion 200 hasdeployable parts 198 a, 198 b attached to the sidewalls by live hinges199 a, 199 b, which operate in essentially the same manner as describedabove with respect to the corresponding parts of connector 30. Connector190 also includes actuators 196 a, 196 b connected to the deployableparts 198 a, 198 b on opposite sides for causing the correspondingdeployable parts to shift back and forth between the engaged andassembly positions. It operates in substantially the same way as thepreviously disclosed connector embodiments to engage and connect to alamp end cap assembly, with leading end 200 inserted through an openingand residing internal to the end cap assembly and deployable parts 198a, 198 b capturing edge portions of the end cap side wall proximate theopening between upper surfaces thereof and opposed surfaces of baseportion 194.

The connector 190 includes a central channel 202 extending from a firstopening in the end wall at its base end to a second opening in theopposite end wall of the leading end. The channel 202 is sized toprovide a pathway allowing USB cable 220 with terminal USB plug 212 toextend through connector 200 from its base end to its leading end asshown. When the lamp end cap assembly, connector 200 and plug 212 are inan engaged configuration, at least the leading end portion 214 of theplug is positioned forward of the leading edge of connector 200.

FIG. 14C shows one embodiment of an end cap assembly 220 of an LED tubelamp (not shown) designed to be installed on a support using connector200. The end cap assembly 220 has a generally planar upper sidewall 224and curved sidewall 222 which define a receptacle 230 for receiving anend of the body portion of an LED tube lamp. PCB connector board 232 ismounted in a horizontal orientation within the receptacle, and a Type-AUSB port 228 is mounted on the connector board as shown. The PCBconnector board 232 further comprises connector 234 having leads 236 forcommunicating power and/or data signals to components within theassociated LED lamp body. The upper sidewall 224 defines generallyrectangular opening 226 sized for receiving leading end portion 200 ofconnector 190. The USB port 228 opens upward toward the opening 226 inupper sidewall 224, and the two openings are generally aligned.

LED tube lamps may be provided with an end cap assembly 220 at a singleend or at both ends of the lamp, depending on whether it is desired tocommunicate power and data to and/or from the lamp at one or both ends.For lamps designed to receive or transmit power and/or data at only oneend, the opposite end preferably includes an end cap of similar designhaving an opening sized to receive the leading end of another connector190 but omitting the internal PCB connector board and USB port assembly.

The end cap assembly 220 disposed at a first end of an LED tube lamp mayengage with connector 190 to secure a first lamp end to a support. Inone approach, end cap assembly 220 is translated upward in asubstantially straight path and into an engaged position in whichleading end portion 200 of connector 190 resides within the end capassembly and deployable parts 198 a, 198 b capture edge portions ofupper sidewall 224 proximate opening 226. After the end cap assembly 220is securely mated with connector 190, the plug 212 and cable 210 may beadvanced through the central channel 202 of the connector downwardtowards port 228. The plug 212 is advanced downward in the channel untilits leading end portion 214 enters passes through opening 226 into theend cap assembly and inserts within the receptacle of port 228 toconnect the lamp to the network. In an alternative approach, theinstaller may first advance plug 212 through connector 190 and intoengagement with port 228 of end cap assembly 220, and then move the endcap assembly and plug upward and into the engaged position relative toconnector 190 to attach a first end of the lamp to the support.Squeezing the actuators 196 a, 196 b allows the end cap assembly 220 tobe separated from connector 190 in the same manner described with regardto other embodiments above. The plug 212 may then be disengaged fromport 228.

Lighting systems in which a network cable runs through the snap-fitconnector and plugs directly into a jack of the lamp end cap assemblymay be also be provided to support other integrated power and datastandards besides Ethernet and USB. As will be recognized by thoseskilled in the art, the snap-fit connector may be customized to confirmto other standards by providing an appropriately sized internal channelto accommodate the particular cable plug geometry, providing acompatible jack in the lamp end cap assembly, and providing suitablecontrollers or other circuitry on the end cap PCB or another PCB of thelamp.

The snap-fit connector assemblies disclosed herein may be deployed inother applications beyond retrofitting of conventional fluorescentlighting fixtures and new installations of ceiling grid or pendanttroffer type fixtures. In one aspect, pendant lighting fixtures may beprovided by suspending supports comprising an elongate rectangular flatstock of aluminum or other suitable material by cables from the mainstructural ceiling. A pair of snap-fit connectors are mounted atopposite ends of the support stock, and a network compatible LED tubedlamp is snap connected at its end cap assemblies to the connectors.Networked power and data connectivity are provided to the lamp byplugging a branch cable of the LAN into the jack of a lamp end cap.Multiple lamps may be included in each fixture if desired. Usingconventional molding techniques, the base portion of the snap-fitconnectors may be adapted so that it interlocks with the particulartabs, slots or other mounting mechanism of the particular supportstructure used.

The network enabled LED tube lighting systems described thus far utilizea snap-fit connector assembly of the type disclosed to mount the LEDtubes to a conventional tube lighting fixture. In another aspect,networked enabled LED tube lamps adapted to be mounted directly to aceiling grid are also disclosed. Alternative embodiments illustratingsuch a lamp format, and novel mounting clips for securing the lamps toan overhead ceiling grid will now be discussed.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a cylindrical linear LED lamp 300having an external heat sink 302 extending over a portion of thecircumference of an elongate body portion, and having end cap assemblies303 and 304 at opposite ends of the body secured to the body byfasteners 324 and 326. Both end cap assemblies are the same in theillustrated lamp 300, and FIG. 16 shows the internal design thereof byproviding a partial cut-away view of a portion of the LED tube lamp 300with an enlarged view of end cap assembly 304. The lamp body as depictedillustrates a standard LED tube lamp design having an internally mountedLED emitter board 319 on which a series of LEDs 320 are arranged in oneor more rows. A transparent or translucent outer lens 322 extends arounda portion of the body. Other lamp designs are also possible, includingthose having multi-sided heat sink and multiple LED emitter boardsmounted at angles to each other similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 9A,9B and 10.

The end cap assembly 304 shown in FIG. 16 is similar to end cap assembly90 of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 16, end cap assembly 304 houses ahorizontally disposed internal PCB connector 312, which is incommunication with connector 318 internal to the lamp body throughconductive leads 313. An edge portion of PCB 312 is supported within aslot 317 extending horizontally along inner surface 316 of end wall 306of the end cap assembly, and a post 314 supports the PCB at its oppositeend. Ethernet jack 308 is mounted on the PCB 312 and electricallyconnected to it by pins 315. The upper facing curved sidewall portion305 defines opening 328. The jack 308 is positioned so that itsreceptacle 310 opens upward and is generally aligned with sidewallopening 328. The other end cap assembly 303 includes a comparable jack309 also orientated such that its receptacle 311 opens upward and isgenerally aligned with an opening in an upper portion of curved sidewall307. The end cap assembly 304 differs from end cap assembly 90 of FIG. 7primarily in that PCB 312 and jack 308 are mounted at a raised positionso that the vertical distance between the jack receptacle 310 and theopening 328 is substantially reduced. This configuration permits astandard Ethernet cable plug to insert directly into the jack along apathway perpendicular to the length of the lamp for communicating powerand data between a computer network and internal components of the lamp.As a result of the elevated vertical position of jack 308, only theleading end portion of the cable plug is internal to the end capassembly, and a portion of the latching tab thereof projects external tothe end cap and is accessible to disengage the plug from the jack.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a networkable linear LED lamp similar to thelamp of the previous embodiment, except that the internal jacks can beaccessed through the end wall of the end cap assemblies. Thus, FIG. 17shows a perspective view of a linear cylindrical LED lamp 400 having anexternal heat sink 402 extending over a portion of the circumference ofan elongate body portion, and having end cap assemblies 403 and 404 atopposite ends of the body secured to the lamp body by fasteners 424 and426. Both end cap assemblies are the same in the illustrated lamp 400,and FIG. 18 shows the internal design thereof by providing a partialcut-away view of a portion of the linear LED lamp 400 with an enlargedview of end cap assembly 404. The lamp body as depicted illustrates astandard LED tube lamp design having an internally mounted LED emitterboard 419 on which a series of LEDs 420 are arranged in one or morerows. A transparent or translucent outer lens 422 extends around aportion of the body. Other lamp designs are also possible, includingthose having multi-sided heat sink and multiple LED emitter boardsmounted at angles to each other similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 9A,9B and 10.

As shown in FIG. 18, end cap assembly 404 houses a horizontally disposedinternal PCB connector 412, which is in communication with connector 418internal to the lamp body through conductive leads 413. An edge portionof PCB 412 is supported within a slot 417 extending horizontally alonginner surface of end wall 406 of the end cap assembly, and a post 414supports the PCB at its opposite end. Ethernet jack 408 is mounted onthe PCB 412 and electrically connected to it by pins 415. The end wall406 defines opening 428. The jack 408 is positioned so that itsreceptacle 410 opens laterally and is generally aligned with end wallopening 428. The other end cap assembly 403 includes a comparable jack(not shown) also orientated such that its receptacle opens laterally andis generally aligned with an opening in its end wall. The jack 408 ispositioned with minimal distance between receptacle 410 and the opening428. This configuration permits a standard Ethernet cable plug to insertdirectly into the jack using a lateral approach along the direction ofthe length of the lamp for communicating power and data between acomputer network and internal components of the lamp. When the plug isengaged within jack 408, a portion of the latching tab thereof projectsexternal of the end cap and is accessible to disengage the plug from thejack.

The network enabled LED tube lamps of the type illustrated in FIGS. 15to 18 may be modified to conform to other power and data communicationsstandards by utilizing the applicable module jacks within the end capassemblies and including the appropriate communication chip sets in aPCB of the end cap assembly or internal to the lamp body.

The end cap assemblies 303 and 304 of the disclosed lamp 300 are notcompatible with the snap-fit connectors disclosed above, as the jackoccupies the internal region where the leading end of the connectorwould typically reside. The lamp 400 is also not configured for use withthe snap-fit connector system; it does not have openings in a sidewallof the end caps for receiving the leading end of a snap-fit connector.These lamps are instead adapted for use in an overhead lighting systemthat includes an arrangement of networked LED tube lamps mounteddirectly to an overhead ceiling grid by other means. This is explainedmore fully below with reference to the further illustrations in FIGS. 19to 22.

As is known to those skilled in the art, a dropped ceiling is asecondary ceiling hung below the main structural ceiling. Drop ceilingsare common in both residential and commercial buildings. Theyadvantageously hide the building infrastructure, including piping,wiring, sprinkler systems and/or ductwork, by creating a plenum spaceabove the dropped ceiling, while allowing access for repairs andinspections. Other advantages include improved room acoustics andthermal energy insulation. A typical dropped ceiling consists of agrid-work of metal channels in the shape of an upside-down “T”,suspended on wires from the overhead structure. These channels snaptogether in a regularly spaced pattern of cells. Each cell is thenfilled with lightweight ceiling tiles or “panels” which simply drop intothe grid. Standard cell sizes may vary by region. In the United States,for example, the cell size in the suspension grids is typically either 2ft×2 ft or 2 ft×4 ft and the ceiling tiles are the same size. In Europethe cell size in the suspension grids is 600×600 mm, while the ceilingtiles are slightly smaller. An older, less common type of droppedceiling is the concealed grid system, in which panels are interlockedinto each other and the grid with the use of small strips of metalcalled “splines”. Normally, these type of ceilings will have a “keypanel” which can be removed, allowing for the other panels to be slidout of the grid.

FIG. 21 illustrates the direct mounting of an LED tube lamp of the typedisclosed in FIGS. 17 and 18 to a ceiling grid using a novel clipmounting system disclosed herein. The lamp 580 depicted in FIG. 21 hasan elongated cylindrical body with external heat sink 584 extendingalong an upper portion thereof and translucent or transparent lens 582extending along a lower portion of the body. The lamp 580 includes endcap assemblies at each end, which are designed and operate substantiallythe same as those disclosed in the lamp of FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 21shows a perspective view of end cap assembly 560 at a first end of thelamp, which is attached to the lamp body by fasteners 565 and 566. Anintegrated Ethernet jack 568 is accessible through the end wall 564 ofthe end cap assembly. The lamp 580 is shown suspending from metalchannel 590 of a drop ceiling grid. The channel 590 includeshorizontally extending ledge 594 and vertically extending divider 592,as is typical of the upside down T channels suspended by wires, cablesor other means from the overhead structure. A first end of lamp 580 ismounted to channel 590 by a mounting clip having a first upper portionthat snap clamps on the ledge of channel 590 and a second lower portionthat holds the end cap assembly 560 of the lamp. Although not shown inthe figure, a second substantially identical clip secures the oppositeend of the lamp to the ceiling grid.

FIG. 20A shows a view of lamp 580 facing its end cap assembly 560,together with mounting clip 540. The mounting clip 540 is preferablyformed of a thin piece of spring steel having a high yield strength thatallows it to be deformed and return to its original shape despitesignificant deflection. It has an upper clip portion 542 comprising apair of tabs 546 and 548 extending at an angle from opposite ends ofhorizontally extending mid-portion 544. As shown in FIG. 21, the tabs546 and 548 function to grasp ledge 594 with the inner surface of thetabs opposing the upper facing surface of the ledge to secure themounting clip 540 to the channel 590. To secure the mounting clip 542 tothe channel 590, the resilient tabs 546 and 548 may be deflected upwardfrom their relaxed shape into an expanded, generally verticalorientation (increasing the included angle between the tabs andmid-portion 544) so that mid-portion 544 may be moved upward against theledge 594 of channel 590 with the ledge residing between the tabs. Whenthe tabs are released, they return to their relaxed shape to maintain asecure connection between the opposed surfaces of the tabs and theledge. The position of the mounting clip is easily adjusted by slidingit along the length of the channel 590.

A pair of fingers 550 and 552 extend from the upper clip portion 542.Each finger is connected at its proximal end by a short vertical strutto upper clip portion 542 and extends outwardly in a curved profile todefine a generally semi-circular interior space between the oppositefingers. The distal tip 553 of finger 550, and distal tip 554 of finger552 extends inward towards each other. The fingers 550 and 552 are of asize and shape adapted to conform to the outer circumferential geometryof the lamp 580, and the distance d₁ between the opposite distal tips553 and 554 is slightly less than the maximum cross sectional outerdiameter d2 of the end cap assembly 560. Thus, with mounting clip 590secured to the ceiling grid, the lamp 580 may be mounted to the grid bymoving end cap assembly 560 upward and into engagement with the fingers550 and 552. The engagement between the sidewall surfaces of the end capassembly and the distal tips 553 and 554 of the fingers causes thefingers to deflect outwardly to an expanded assembly configuration, withthe spring force of each finger pressing the finger inwardly against theouter surface of the end cap assembly. The fingers reach a fullyexpanded configuration when their distal tips engage the maximumdiameter region of the end cap 560. As the end cap is advanced furtherupward towards the ceiling grid, the fingers engage reduced diameterportions of the end cap and contract in a direction towards each otherunder biasing spring forces. With the end cap assembly 560 and mountingclip 540 in the fully engaged configuration shown in FIG. 20B, thefingers 550 and 552 firmly grasp the end cap assembly, with theirinwardly curved distal tip portions 553 and 554 imparting verticalforces preventing end cap assembly from detaching from the mounting clipduring normal operation of the lamp. The opposite end of lamp 580 issecured to the ceiling grid using a second such clip in the same manner.Although the mounting clip 540 is shown in the figures engaging the endcap assembly of lamp 580, it may alternatively be positioned along theceiling grid channel 590 to grasp the body portion of the lamp betweenthe end caps.

The disclosed mounting clips may be provided in different shapes adaptedto the particular outer geometry of the LED tube lamp. As anotherexample, FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate one such mounting clip adapted tohold a lamp having a generally U-shape cross-sectional configuration.The disclosed mounting clip 500 has an upper clip portion 502 comprisinga pair of tabs 506 and 508 extending at an angle from opposite ends ofhorizontally extending mid-portion 504. The upper clip portion functionsin the same manner described for mounting clip 540 to clamp the mountingclip to a channel of an overhead ceiling grid.

A pair of fingers 510 and 512 extend from the upper clip portion 502.Each finger is connected at its proximal end by a short vertical strutto upper clip portion 502 and extends outwardly in a curved profilecorresponding generally to the upper portion of U-shaped end capassembly 520. The distal tip 513 of finger 510, and distal tip 514 offinger 512, extend inward toward each other. As with the previousembodiment, the distance d₁ between the opposite distal tips 513 and 514is slightly less than the maximum cross sectional outer diameter d2 ofthe end cap assembly 520. With mounting clip 500 secured to the ceilinggrid, the lamp may be mounted to the grid by moving end cap assembly 520upward and into engagement with the fingers 510 and 512. The sidewallsurfaces of the end cap assembly and the distal tips 513 and 514 of thefingers interact with each other in essentially the same manner as inthe previous embodiment during lamp installation. FIG. 19B shows the endcap assembly 560 and mounting clip 540 in the fully engagedconfiguration, with the fingers 510 and 512 firmly holding the end capassembly and preventing the end cap assembly from detaching from themounting clip during normal operation of the lamp. Although the mountingclip 500 is shown in the figures engaging the end cap assembly of thelamp, it may alternatively be positioned along the ceiling grid channel590 to grasp the body portion of the lamp between the end caps.

FIGS. 26A-26D illustrate an alternative linear LED lamp and ceiling gridmounting clip system in accordance with the principals of the disclosedinvention. The mounting clip 900 is similar to the mounting clips of thepreviously disclosed embodiments but does not include finger extensionsfor engaging and grasping outer surfaces of the lamp. Mounting clip 900connects to the ceiling grid in essentially the same manner describedfor the previous embodiments. As shown in FIG. 26A, the clip 900comprises a pair of tabs 906 and 908 extending at an angle at elbowportions 902 from opposite ends of horizontally extending mid-portion904, which function to grasp the horizontally extending ledge of aT-channel of an overhead drop ceiling grid structure, with the innersurface of the tabs opposing the upper facing surface of the ledge tosecure the mounting clip 900 to the T-channel. The tabs 906 and 908 areformed of a resilient material that deflects upward from their relaxedshape into an expanded, generally vertical orientation so thatmid-portion 904 may be moved upward against the ledge of the T-channelwith the ledge residing between the tabs. When the tabs are released,they return to their relaxed shape to maintain a secure connectionbetween the opposed surfaces of the tabs and the ledge.

The lamp 932 is similar to the lamp 520 illustrated in FIG. 19A. Asdepicted in FIGS. 26C and 26D, it has an elongated cylindrical body withexternal heat sink 934 extending along an upper portion thereof andtranslucent or transparent lens 938 extending along a lower portion ofthe body. The lamp 932 includes end cap assemblies at each end. FIG. 26Ashows an end view of end cap assembly 920 at a first end of the lamp,which is attached to the lamp body by fasteners 924 and 926. End capassembly 920 includes end wall 925 extending traverse to the length ofthe lamp body, and sidewall portions 930 extending generallyperpendicular from the end wall toward and along a portion of the lengthof the lamp body and defining a receptacle opening into which the firstend of the lamp body extends. An integrated Ethernet jack 928 isaccessible through the end wall 925 of the end cap assembly. End capassembly 920 includes upper sidewall portion 916 which faces upward whenthe lamp 932 is mounted to an overhead ceiling structure. As shown inFIG. 26C, upper sidewall portion 916 extends to the end wall 925. Endwall 925 includes slot 910, which extends laterally across the end walland into the sidewall portions immediately below upper sidewall portion916. The slot 910 is shown from a side view in FIG. 26C and from aperspective looking down on the upper surface of lamp 932 in FIG. 26D.

Mid-portion 904 of mounting clip 900 is dimensioned so that it may beinserted linearly into slot 910 along the direction of the length of thelamp body, where it is trapped between an end portion of upper sidewallportion 916 and portions of end wall 925 and sidewalls 930 of end capassembly 920. This is illustrated in FIG. 26B. With the mounting clip900 secured to the end cap assembly in this manner, the mounting clipmay be clamped on the ledge a T-channel to secure the lamp 932 to theoverhead ceiling grid system. One advantage of the approach illustratedin this embodiment is that the mounting clip 900 may be fully concealedfrom view when the lamp 932 is secured to an overhead ceiling grid.

Although not shown in the figure, a second substantially identical endcap assembly and mounting clip secures the opposite end of the lamp tothe ceiling grid. The end cap assembly at the opposite end of the lampmay or may not include an integrated network communications jack,depending on the needs of the networked LED linear lighting systemdeployed. Of course, based on the teachings herein, the alternative endcap assembly and mounting clip system illustrated in the embodiment ofFIGS. 26A-26D may also be readily adapted to be deployed to mount lineartube LED lamps of different sizes and geometries, including for examplelamps having generally cylindrical cross-sectional profiles.

The network compatible linear LED lamps and mounting clip systemdisclosed herein make it possible to deploy a complete room lightingsystem without installing new lighting fixtures or being confined to thephysical arrangement of existing tube lighting fixtures in the ceilinggrid. One such system 600 is illustrated in FIG. 22, which shows anetworked lighting system having multiple linear LED lamps of the typedepicted in FIG. 21 mounted to a ceiling grid with mounting clips asshown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. The figure shows two such lamps, 580′ and580″, arranged end-to-end in series along a channel 590 of the ceilinggrid. The lamp 580′ has opposite end cap assemblies 560′ and 560″, whichare secured to the ceiling grid by mounting clips 540′ and 540″respectively. The lamp 580″ is similarly mounted using clips 540′″ and540″″. The lamps are networked to each other by a jumper cable 615having a male plug at each end mated with the corresponding Ethernetjack in the end wall of end cap assemblies 560″ and 560′″. The lamp 580″is networked to another adjacent lamp of the system (not shown) usinganother jumper cable 623, and additional lamps may be similarly mountedto the ceiling grid and connected to each other. This serially connectedbranch of lamps is networked to a centralized power distribution andcontrol system through cable 611 having plug 613 inserted in the jack ofend cap assembly 560′ of lamp 580′. If the jumper cables aresufficiently long, it may be preferable to keep their main span abovethe ceiling tiles and concealed from view. Alternatively, the cable maybe concealed using a wiring raceway adapted to connect to the ceilinggrid channels between adjacent lamps.

As FIG. 22 illustrates, the disclosed power and control system includesEthernet switch 620, which receives AC power over line 612 from aconventional AC power panel 610. Power and data is communicated from theswitch and to the serially connected LED lamps over cable 611 and theintermediate jumper cables. A control module 630 is also plugged intothe switch for receiving power at the control module and communicatingdata between the control module and switch. The control module is acentral point of communication and coordinates all data communicationswith the lamps and also controls the power supplied to the lamps.Various peripheral devices may be networked to the control module, suchas computer 640 connected via cable 616 and peripheral device 650, whichmay represent a variety of devices such as dimmers, sensors andcontrollers. Other peripheral devices may communicate with the controlmodule wirelessly, using Bluetooth or other available wirelesscommunication protocols. In one alternative, control module 630 andswitch 620 may be implemented as one unit rather than as separateconnected components.

The system 600 is thus a fully networked LED lighting system capable ofa variety of smart lighting functionalities. Power provided to the firstlamp 580′ can be further distributed over jumper cable 615 to the nextlamp 580″ and then to each consecutive lamp in the chain in a likemanner. Control data and commands may be communicated to control modulesmounted within each lamp of the chain using a suitable addressingmechanism, with each control module processing only those messages thatare addressed to that lamp. Operational data generated or collected byindividual lamps may be communicated back to the central control module630 and/or one or more peripheral devices over the same network path.The system is easily and inexpensively deployed using standard computerand networking equipment without requiring alteration or removal ofexisting lighting infrastructure or the installation of conventionaltube lighting fixtures in the case of new construction.

Although FIG. 22 shows the lamps mounted close together for purposes ofillustrating the features of the system, the mounting clips andintegrated PoE capabilities of the lamps provide the flexibility toarrange the lamps as desired to provide efficient lighting that meetsthe characteristics and needs of each particular application.Importantly, lamp distribution is not confined by the location ofexisting fixtures or building codes governing the placement of newfixtures in drop ceiling grids. A 30 ft×20 ft room, for example, may beilluminated by fifteen T8 (4 foot) lamps, arranged in three rows spacedapproximately 6 ft apart and with 2 ft spacing between the ends of thefive lamps in each row. In another example, a commercial work space mayhave employee work stations that receive inadequate lighting due totheir location between adjacent banks of ceiling grid lighting fixtures.Such a lighting system is easily augmented by mounting the disclosedlinear LED lamps to the ceiling grid in between the existing fixtures toprovide supplemental illumination on those intermediate regions.

Of course, many variations of the system 600 illustrated are possible,supported by the network enabled linear LED lamps disclosed herein andconvenient mounting clips for mounting the lamps to the ceiling grid.Various control, sensor and computing devices may be included in thelighting system to achieve desired objectives, and the centralizedcontrol system may connect to individual lamps using a variety ofnetwork configurations, including the branch chain configuration shown,direct hub and spoke connections to individual lamps, or any othernetwork configuration. The lamps may be equipped with network enabledjacks and associated electronic components at one or both ends tosupport the desired network architecture.

Other mechanisms may be utilized to secure the lamps to the ceilinggrid. In one aspect, the lamps can be secured to the ceiling grid usingmagnets to force the lamp upward against one or more metal channels ofthe ceiling grid. The magnets may be integrated, for example, into theend cap assemblies of the lamp, or may be provided separate from thelamps.

A networked automated linear lamp based LED lighting system consistingof individual lamps mounted directly the ceiling grid offers certainadvantages. Building and safety codes govern various aspects of thewiring, electrical equipment and other devices installed in the spaceabove a dropped ceiling. New wiring must be routed in a way that willnot interfere with existing equipment, and any installation into thisspace must comply with all regulations and will normally require thebuilding owner to obtain a new inspection to certify compliance. Thedisclosed network compatible linear LED lamps allow the entire system tobe installed below the drop ceiling without altering the space above.

The installation process is simple, comparable to hanging holidaylighting. It involves simply attaching the mounting clips or othermounting devices to the ceiling grid at the desired locations, securingthe LED lamps to the clips, and then connecting the lamps to the networkusing standard Ethernet cables. Setting up the centralized controlequipment involves routine plug-and-play steps comparable to connectingperipherals to a personal computer, mostly involving plugging cablesinto corresponding jacks and turning on power switches. The system maybe installed directly by the consumer or a professional technician, butdoes not require use of an electrician or follow-up evaluation by abuilding inspector. And it makes it possible to quickly and economicallyinstall lighting in any room having a dropped ceiling and access to ahigh speed Internet connection.

In FIGS. 34A and 34B, a further embodiment is shown which is similar tothat shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 with the exception that the lamp includeshas an external modular network connector instead of a jack mountedwithin the end cap assembly. However, the function of this lamp isessentially the same as that of the aforementioned lamps. Thus, FIG. 34Ashows a perspective view of a cylindrical LED tube lamp 1600 having anexternal heat sink 1602 extending over a portion of the circumference ofan elongate body portion, and having end cap assemblies 1603 and 1604 atopposite ends of the body secured to the tube body by fasteners 1624 and1626. FIG. 34B shows a partial cut-away view of a portion of the LEDlamp 1600 with a view of internal components of end cap assembly 1604.The lamp body as depicted illustrates a standard LED tube lamp designhaving an internally mounted LED emitter board 1619 on which a series ofLEDs 1620 are arranged in one or more rows. A transparent or translucentouter lens 1622 extends around a portion of the lamp body. Other lampdesigns are also possible, including those having multi-sided heat sinkand multiple LED emitter boards mounted at angles to each other asdisclosed in other embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 34B, end cap assembly 1604 houses a horizontallydisposed internal PCB connector 1612, which is in communication withconnector 1618 internal to the lamp body through conductive leads 1613.An edge portion of PCB connector 1612 is supported within a slot 1617extending horizontally along inner surface of end wall 1606 of the endcap assembly, and a post 1614 supports the PCB at its opposite end.Connector 1632 is mounted on the PCB 1612 and electrically connected toit by pins 1615. A short branch of network cable 1630 extends from theconnector 1632 to external modular 1608, which in this embodiment is anEthernet jack configured to receive a standard Ethernet cable plug tofor communicating power and data between a computer network and internalcomponents of the lamp 1600. The branch cable 1630 extends throughopening 1628 formed in end wall 1606 of the end cap assembly. Theconnector 1632 may alternatively connect to the emitter board 1619 or toanother circuit board associated with the lamp body, and the cable mayextend through an opening located on a different surface of the end capassembly or through an opening of the heat sink 1602. The lamp 1600 maybe mounted to a ceiling grid using the clip system or as otherwisedescribed herein, with the branch cable 1630 and jack 1608 positionedabove the ceiling tiles to be out of view.

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate another linear LED lamp system adapted to beconnected to a network for power and data communications and centralizedsmart lighting control. The illustrated system 700 is intended primarilyfor use with single end power linear LED lamps in which only one end ofthe lamp is configured to connect to and receive power from a LAN. Oneend of lamp 701 includes end cap 706 having an opening 712 in a sidewallthereof for engaging a snap-fit connector 750. The connector 750includes a base portion 754 extending to a narrowed leading end portion755. It mounts to tabs of a lighting fixture support via slots adjacentside flanges 751 and in the same manner as the previously describedsnap-fit connector. The connector 750 is not configured to receiveexternal power or communicate data signals, and functions only to securethe end cap 706 to support 720. It utilizes essentially the samesnap-fit mechanism discussed above to securely engage the end cap. Thusdeployable portions 758 are attached via a live hinge 759 to oppositesides of base portion 754, and capture an upper sidewall portion of theend cap assembly 706 as the leading end portion 755 is inserted throughthe opening 712 and into an engaged position. Actuators 758 connected tothe deployable portions allow the snap-fit mechanism to be disengagedfrom the end cap assembly to separate the two components. The oppositeend of lamp 701 has an end cap assembly 708 comprising an integralEthernet jack (not shown) accessible from the end wall 710 of the endcap. The internal design of end cap assembly 708 may, for example, beessentially the same as that of lamp 400 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

The system also includes plastic connector sleeve 760, which is adaptedto mount to support 720. A base portion 768 of connector sleeve 760includes slots 772 between flanges 761 and 770 on opposite sides thereofinto which tabs of support 720 slide so that connector sleeve 760 can besecured to support. The base portion 768 extends toward sleeve portion762 comprising a continuous cylindrical sidewall, which forms areceptacle 763 having an open end facing towards the opposite firstconnector 750 and sized to receive the end cap assembly 708 of the LEDlamp. The sleeve portion 762 is preferably of a cross-sectional shapethat conforms to the cross-sectional shape of end cap assembly 708,which is cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment. Connector sleevescomprising a sleeve portion of other cross-sectional geometries, such asgenerally triangular, trapezoidal square or rectangular, are alsocontemplated for use with other lamps having corresponding end capcross-sectional geometries. In one preferred form, the sleeve forms areceptacle of a generally triangular cross-section for receiving agenerally triangular end cap assembly of a lamp comprising a multi-sidedheat sink mounting multiple LED emitter boards.

As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 24, the connector sleeve furthercomprises an internal adaptor module 790 of general L-shapeconfiguration. A first vertically extending portion 792 comprises afemale Ethernet jack accessible through the upper facing end wall ofbase portion 768. The jack (not shown) is adapted to receive an Ethernetplug 782 attached to the end of cable 780 to connect the sleeve to theLAN. The adapter 790 further includes a second horizontally extendingportion 794 that includes an integral Ethernet plug 766 at its tip.Leads internal to the adapter provide electrical pathways between thepins of the jack and the corresponding pins of plug 766.

The lamp 701 may be installed in the fixture by inserting the end capassembly 708 linearly along the length of the lamp body and into thereceptacle 763 of connector sleeve 760. The connector sleeve ispreferably sized so that end cap assembly 708 is easily guided into thereceptacle, where it is supported in the vertical direction yetrotatable as well as adjustable in the horizontal direction. The lamp isadjusted such that the receptacle of the jack in the end wall is alignedwith plug 766, and then the lamp is further advanced linearly until theplug is fully inserted in the jack. In this configuration, the opening712 in the other end cap assembly 706 will be aligned with leading endportion 755 of snap-fit connector 750. The end cap assembly 706 may bemoved upward so as to guide the leading end portion 755 into snap-fitconnection with the end cap assembly. Securing the snap-fit connectionlocks the lamp at its proper rotational orientation and prevents thelamp from backing out linearly from connector sleeve 760, and the lampis thus securely maintained in an operational state. To remove aninstalled lamp, the snap-fit connection may be released using theactuators as previously described, which allows the end cap assembly 708to be withdrawn from the receptacle of connector sleeve 760.

This connector system may provide convenience to the lamp installer anda more efficient installation methodology. With standard linear LED tubelamps typically ranging from 2 to 8 feet in length, it is cumbersome toproperly align the cooperating components into the proper engagedposition while handling a portion of the lamp that is significantlydisplaced from the lamp end being installed. Thus, lamp installationtypically requires the installer to grasp a first end of the lamp andposition it into engagement with its corresponding lamp holder, and thenmove to a position proximate the opposite end of the lamp to manipulatethe opposite end into engagement with its lamp holder. Using theconnector sleeve 760, however, both ends of the lamp may be installed bymanipulating the lamp from the no power end. While grasping the lampnear the no power end, the installer may guide the opposite power endinto the receptacle opening of connector sleeve 760 and gently adjustthe lamp orientation until the plug inserts within the end cap jackreceptacle. This requires only minimal dexterity. After the power end isseated in the receptacle of the connector sleeve, the installer thenmoves the no power lamp end directly upward from the separated positionand into snap-fit engagement with connector 750 pre-mounted on support720. Potentially significant time and associated labor savings may beachieved with this system and installation method, especially incommercial environments requiring installation of hundreds orpotentially thousands of linear LED tube lamps.

The network enabled LED lamps and connector systems disclosed hereinprovide safe and reliable means for securing linear LED lamps to alighting fixture and providing networked power and data connectivitydirectly to the lamp. The disclosed snap-fit connector systems andcorresponding network compatible lamp end cap assemblies allowimplementing PoE or other network compatible LED tube lamps intoexisting facility lighting fixtures, without the need to replaceexisting fluorescent lighting fixtures or to install new integrated LEDfixtures. This eliminates the added cost of disposing of the existingfixtures and altering the current fixture design and layout, greatlyreduces labor and time of install, and avoids scheduling conflicts anddisruptions of the work environment of the facility. Network cables costvery little compared to heavy duty copper wire and conduit used fortraditional lighting, and integrated power and data networkingtechnology has the potential to greatly enhance the power efficiencygains of LED tube lighting compared to conventional fluorescent tubelighting systems. The ceiling grid mounted network compatible LED lampsdisclosed herein provide additional options for quickly andinexpensively installing smart LED lighting systems in numerousresidential and commercial applications. These novel LED lamp andconnector configurations allow for immediate adoption and more rapidpenetration of integrated power and data technology in the lightingindustry. Users may conveniently and inexpensively update a lightingsystem with simple lamp replacement as lamp performance and featuresimprove with further technology advances. The inventions disclosedherein thus enable the next generation of digitally controlled andnetworked smart LED lighting systems to be implemented in theconventional tube lamp format, eliminating the need to replace themassive amount of infrastructure already in place to support thisdominant and highly advantageous lighting format.

Many automated lighting applications that can be implemented at lowercost and more effectively utilizing the principals of the lightingplatform disclosed herein. Other applications of the disclosed subjectmatter will now be explained with reference to the functional designschematic provided as FIG. 29. In the system described in this figure, acentral workstation 1270 can communicate with linear LED lamp 1200 via anetwork that can support wired, and optionally, wireless features. Bothpower and lighting control (e.g. exchange of Ethernet control packets)are provided via Ethernet cabling to the internal control node 1202 ofthe lamp to control operation of the lamp according to commands from acomputer or other data processing device. Power from a power supply 1250powers an Ethernet switch 1280, which delivers power and control data tothe linear LED lamps of a lighting system, such as the lamp 1200, overan Ethernet network cable. The network connection may also allow thelamp control node to download patches, drivers, and program code.Although FIG. 29 shows the central workstation and external sensorsconnected to the lamp 1200 over a network cable connected to Ethernetswitch 1280, the lamp 1200 may also be addressed wirelessly.

The switch 1280 may also be connected to external sensors 1260 deployedat various locations to sense conditions such as room occupancy, lightlevels, motion and other conditions that serve as inputs topre-determined automated lighting control strategies. The switch maysupply power to the external sensors 1260 in addition to receivingEthernet packets containing data associated with the sensed conditions.One or more computer work stations, such as central workstation 1270,may be configured to run one or more lighting automation managementsoftware applications which allow an administrator to design, modify andimplement automated lighting control strategies, as well as diagnose,monitor and report on various operational aspects of the lighting systemunder control. The workstation may include one or more processors andone or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, as well asone or more programs that cause one or more processors to perform one ormore of the lighting automation and/or management operations. Thesecomputer programs, which can also be referred to as programs, software,software applications, applications, components, or code, includemachine instructions for a programmable processor, and can beimplemented in a high-level procedural and/or object-orientedprogramming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. Computerimplemented methods consistent with one or more implementations of thecurrent subject matter can be implemented by one or more data processorsresiding in a single computing system or multiple computing systems.Such multiple computing systems can be connected and can exchange dataand/or commands or other instructions or the like via one or moreconnections, including but not limited to a connection over a network(e.g. the Internet, a wireless wide area network, a local area network,a wide area network, a wired network, or the like), via a directconnection between one or more of the multiple computing systems, etc.

The switch 1280 is operable to route control commands and otherinformation and data between the workstation 1270, the external sensors1260, and the addressable networked lamps 1200 of the system. Each lampand external sensor has a network location known to the switch 1280, andis equipped with at least one standardized Ethernet communicationinterface so that it can be directly addressed by the Ethernet switchand can communicate data to the switch. The lamp 1200 can bemechanically installed into a lighting fixture 1224, which may be aconventional fluorescent lighting fixture or other existing or new LEDlighting fixture, by means of one of the various snap-fit connectorembodiments disclosed (illustrated as connector 1220 and 1222), at leastone of which provides an associated Ethernet compliant modular connectorfor connecting lamp 1200 to the lighting network. Alternatively, asdisclosed in certain embodiments above, the lamp 1200 can be directlysecured to a ceiling grid and an Ethernet cable plugged directly into anexternally facing jack of the lamp end cap.

The PoE switch 1280 can provide power to the linear LED lamps andcontrol circuitry, such that both power and transmission and receivingof the serial command strings can be accomplished via Ethernet. The lamp1200 includes an internal control node 1202 and is an automationcomponent in that it can be controlled by instructions executing withinthe lamp, or alternatively by instructions executing on the localworkstation 1270. The lamp can be powered on or off, and its brightness,color and other operational characteristics can be controlled in anautomated fashion. The control node 1202 includes processor 1204, whichexecutes runs software for executing control commands and providingnumerous other automated functions of the lamp. One or more aspects orfeatures of the control node 1202 described herein can be realized indigital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designedapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs) computer hardware, firmware, software, and/orcombinations thereof. These various aspects or features can includeimplementation in one or more computer programs that are executableand/or interpretable on a programmable system including at least oneprogrammable processor, which can be special or general purpose, coupledto receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data andinstructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and atleast one output device. The electronics shown are intended to berepresentative of functional components and are not intended to excludeadditional components.

Lamp 1200 may also include one or more internal sensors 1218 mounted tothe lamp. The internal sensors 1218 and external sensors 1260 areadditional automation components that can also be controlled byinstructions executing within the lamp or by instructions executing onthe management workstation 1270. The sensors can provide environmentalfeedback for use as an input to a program or set of instructions. Forexample, a sensor may supply an electrical signal indicating a sensedaspect of the external environment or of the lamp itself, for example alight level, a motion, a noise, or a temperature. The sensors themselvesmay also include aspects that may be controlled, including power on/offor sensitivity, for example.

At least one LED array is mounted to the lamp body, typically in theform of one or more LED emitter boards, to generate light when poweredby a drive current. The schematic of FIG. 29 shows the lamp 1200 havingthree parallel LED arrays 1212, 1214 and 1216. Control node 1202 caninclude a driver 1208 for precisely controlling the magnitude of DCcurrent transmitted to each LED array, which is proportional to theintensity of light emitted by the LEDs. The depicted driver 1208 furtherincludes three sub-circuits, which are each connected to one of the LEDarrays for controlling power to that individual array independent of theother arrays. This circuit arrangement provides three independentlycontrollable LED channels A, B and C within a single lamp to support awide range of desired lighting effects and operational flexibility.

The jack 1210 may be an RJ-45 socket. Other types of standard or notstandard data connectors may similarly be used to source a combined dataand power connection. A set of isolation components connected to thepins of the jack are used to isolate data signals from the powersupplied by the pins. The control node 1202 may also communicates withcircuitry in the switch 1280 via a network cable to negotiate anecessary power level for consumption by the lamp. The control node 1202further includes power control module 1206, which may utilize one ormore DC-to-DC converters to adjust the power supplied to the driversub-circuits associated with the channels A, B and C of driver 1208.

The isolated data signals are inputs to processor 1204, which may be amicrocontroller, a microprocessor, an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and may includea network communications controller, and memory device. The processor1204 transmits and receives communications from a remote device via thenetwork cable and also uses power supplied by the cable. The processor1204 may store and execute instruction for receiving environmental inputfrom the external or internal sensors, instructions for adjustingoperational aspects of the lamp, or instructions for adjusting aspectsof the internal sensors 1218. The input from external sensors 1260 maybe transmitted via the network cable or wirelessly per a standardizedwireless communications protocol.

Implementations of the current subject matter can allow a building owneror administrator to monitor and control lighting power within thebuilding as needed for occupants and policies, in addition toeliminating the use of such power when not necessary. This capabilitycan, among other potential advantages, enable better optimization oflighting power utilization and thereby extend the life of LED lampswhile reducing energy consumption. The system can be used to automatesuch functions as turning on lights automatically. When a person entersa room, for example, an external sensor 1260 may sense the movement senda signal to central workstation 1270, via the switch 1280, which may inturn broadcast Ethernet packets containing commands to activate one ormore LED arrays of lamp 1200 and/or of other lamps of the system. Theswitch 1280 handles the routing of these control commands to theappropriate lamps. Alternatively, an internal sensor 1218 maycommunicate directly with the control node 1202 of the lamp, which thentriggers the commands to turn on the LED arrays. The hardwiredinstructions and/or software code required to perform these automatedfunctions may be stored and executed within the computer 1270 or withinthe control node 1202 or in some combination thereof. In one approach,the processor 1204 may be programmed to enable the lamp 1200 to adjustits own operational characteristics in response to the sensedenvironmental inputs.

Manually operated light switches may also be networked to the system,upon activation of which the processor 1204 may execute instructionsthat signal the power control module 1206 to control a channel of driver1208 to turn one of the LED arrays on or off. Alternatively, theadministrator may input parameters via a user interface of theworkstation 1270 causing commands to be transmitted to processor 1204that specify adjusting the power to one or more of the LED arrays inorder to adjust the intensity or tune the color of light output by thelamp 1200. The automation control logic can combine inputs from separatesensors, such as occupancy and light level sensors, to implement userdefined or policy driven lighting control strategies.

Referring to FIG. FIGS. 28A to 28C, a linear LED lamp illustrating afurther specific implementation of the disclosed subject matter will nowbe described. This alternative embodiment has a multi-sided heat sinkmounting multiple LED emitter boards and including an Ethernet jack atone end for communicating with a control module mounted within aninternal region of heat sink. The lamp 1100 is configured to be mountedto a lighting fixture using any of the disclosed snap-fit connectorshaving an associated Ethernet plug. As is best shown in thecross-sectional view of FIG. 28B, heat sink 1108 of the illustrated lamp1100 is multi-sided with a generally trapezoidal cross-sectionalgeometry in a plane perpendicular to the length of the lamp body. Afirst side 1124 extends generally horizontally forming the upper surfaceof the lamp body in the installed configuration, and may includeexternal fins 1105 to improve heat dissipation. Angled second and thirdsidewalls 1110, 1112 provide mounting surfaces for supporting emitterpanels 1108 and 1102 in a V-orientation such that LED emitters 1113 a,b,and 1115 a,b arranged along the length of the emitter panels distributelight generally downward and laterally over a wide area when the lamp isinstalled in overhead lighting system. Outer edges of the LED emitterboards slide along mounting grooves extending along the length of theheat sink sidewalls 1110, 1112 as shown to secure the each board to oneof the sidewalls. Heat sink 1108 includes fourth sidewall 1111 thatextends between the second and third sidewalls and is generally parallelto the first sidewall 1124. The fourth sidewall includes a similar setof mounting grooves into which a third LED emitter board 1104 may bemounted by sliding the board lengthwise along the mounting grooves. TheLED emitters 1114 of emitter board 1104 are directed straight downwardwith the lamp installed in an overhead lighting system. A generallyV-shaped or U-shaped transparent or translucent lens removably attachesto the heat sink by inward projecting flanges 1128 a, 1128 b that engageand seat with external grooves 1107 a, 1107 b at opposite corners of theheat sink.

As shown in FIG. 28A, lamp 1100 includes first end cap assembly 1126disposed at a first lamp end having a corresponding generally triangularshape in a plane perpendicular to the length of the body. The first lampend extends partly into a receptacle formed by the sidewalls of the endcap assembly as illustrated. Although not shown, second end cap assemblyof similar geometry is mounted at the opposite second lamp end. Thefirst end cap assembly 1126 houses an internal vertically orientedEthernet jack 1142, which is pinned to a first PCB connector board 1140disposed in a horizontal orientation as shown FIGS. 28A and 28C. Thefirst end cap assembly 1126 has opening 1125 through a sidewall thereofto receive the leading end of a snap-fit connector of the type disclosedherein. The opening 1125 is aligned so that the Ethernet plug associatedwith the connector can be received within the jack receptacle as thelamp and connecter are arranged into the assembled configuration. Thefirst connector board 1140 includes conductive traces (not shown) toform electrical pathways for communicating power and/or data signalsreceived by the jack 1142 and or transmitted to the jack. Otherelectronic components may also be mounted to first connector board 1140and connected to one or more circuits or other components via additionalconductive traces formed within the board 1140. In the embodimentillustrated, a second connector board 1150 is mounted in a verticalorientation at the open end of the first end cap assembly. The secondconnector board 1150 also includes electrical traces (not shown) forproviding additional signaling pathways. As shown in FIG. 28A, surfacemount connectors 1162 can be connected to the traces alongside portionof the second connector end board 1150 in proximity to the sides of theconnector end board. The surface mount connectors 1162 of the end board1150 can be connected to LED emitter board connectors 1164 of LEDemitter board 1108. In some arrangements, the emitter board connectors1164 are female connectors to receive the longitudinally extendingconnector pins (not shown) of matingly engageable male connectors 1162of the second connector board 1150. In the illustrated embodiment, thereare a four pin connectors at end of emitter board 1108, although it maybe desirable to use more or fewer pin connectors.

The LED emitter board 1108 can have DC power terminals 1166 connected toconnectors 1164 to conduct DC current to LED emitter strings. Asillustrated in FIG. 28A, emitter board 1108 may include a series of LEDemitter pairs arranged in a row along the length of the board. Forexample, the LED emitters of the first pair are labeled 1113 a and 1113b in the figure, and additional adjacent pairs are mounted at spacedintervals along the board. Emitter traces 1163 can connect a firststring of LED emitters consisting of the first LED emitter of each pairin series, while end trace 1165 can connect this first string ofemitters to one of the emitter board connectors 1162 via one of theterminals 1166 as shown. A neutral trace may be connected to adjacentemitter board connector and may extend on the opposite side of theemitter board 1108. Emitter traces 1167 can connect a second string ofLED emitters consisting of the second LED emitter of each pair inseries, while end trace 1169 can connect this second string of emittersto one of the emitter board connectors 1162 as shown. A neutral tracemay be connected to adjacent emitter board connector and may extend onthe opposite side of the emitter board 1108. As described more fullybelow, the first and second strings of LED emitters may thus beconnected in parallel to a power regulation module and drivenindependently of each other so that the board 1108 comprises twoindependently controllable LED emitter arrays. On the low side of eachstring of emitters, there is an independent trace returning to the powerregulation module, which has an independent current-controlling driverthat controls the current separately to each string of emitters. Thewiring diagram is simplified, because in reality there may be multipleadditional traces through each emitter board, so that any string can beassigned to any sub-driver.

The LED emitter board 1102 secured to the opposite angled sidewall 1112may include a like arrangement consisting of a first string of seriallyconnected LED emitters 1115 a and a second string of serially connectedLED emitters 1115 b, with the two strings being independently poweredusing parallel electrical traces, such that LED emitter board 1102provides two additional independently controllable LED emitter arrays.

As shown in FIG. 28A, the third LED emitter board 1104 includes a singlestring of LED emitters 1114, which are connected in series by emittertraces 1157, while end trace 1158 can connect this string of emitters toemitter board connector 1154 via one of the terminals 1156. Femaleemitter board connector 1154 is connected to terminal 1156 and to malesurface mount connector 1152, which is mounted to second end connectorboard 1150, to provide DC power to the string of LED emitters. A neutraltrace may be connected to and adjacent emitter board connector and mayextend on the opposite side of the emitter board 1104. The LED emittersof board 1104 may be connected to a power regulation module and drivenindependently of the LED emitter arrays of the boards 1102 and 1108.Other wiring designs may be utilized on the end connector board and LEDemitter boards allowing many variations of parallel-series electricalconnections of the LED emitters.

FIG. 28C shows a view of lamp 1110 with a portion of lens 1126, heatsink 1108 and first end cap assembly 1126 cutaway to expose the interiorregion of its multi-sided heat sink. The planar interior surface offirst sidewall 1124 can be used for mounting a variety of componentsassociated with the lamp. In the illustrated embodiment, this surfacesupports PCB connector board 1130, which has an elongated profile andextends along at least a portion of the length of the heat sink. Theconnector board 1130 can include electrical traces for providingelectrical signal pathways to various components pinned to the connectorboard. The illustrated lamp 1110 includes control module 1132 anduninterruptable power supply (UPS) module 1134 pinned to connector board1130. The connector board 1130 may also include other electroniccomponents, such as one or more communication modules, sensors,microprocessors, controllers, wireless transceivers, cameras or otherdevices to support smart LED lighting functionality in a readilyreplaceable linear lamp format. Connector board 1130 can includeterminals 1176 for connecting electrical traces to female surface mountconnectors 1174 mounted at a first end of the board. The surface mountconnectors 1174 receive longitudinally extending connector pins ofcorresponding male connectors 1172 of connector board 1150. Theconnector boards 1150 and 1140 include electrical traces for providingsignaling pathways between the electrical components of connector board1130 and the jack 1142 of first end cap assembly 1126. The lamp isoperable for transmitting power to the lamp components and communicatingcontrol and data signals between the lamp and a centralized lightingautomation control system via the Ethernet communications interface andconnector boards provided within first end cap assembly 1126.

Control module 1132 may include circuitry to isolate power and datadelivered via a network cable. The power is converted to a voltagesufficient to drive the LED emitters, and the power directed toindividual strings of LED emitters is governed by one or more paralleldriver sub-circuits of the control module. The control module alsocontains circuitry programmed to receive instructions from the datacommunications and to modify aspects of the operation of the LED lampbased on the instructions, such as controlling the brightness, color andother aspects of the LED emitters. The control module may also beconnected to one or more sensor components mounted internal to orexternal of lamp 1100 for sensing a condition such as room occupancy,light level, motion, etc., and may be further programmed to control oneor more lamp operational parameters based on information correspondingto a sensed condition. The control module may also include one or morecommunication circuits for communicating operational data associatedwith the lamp, sensor collected data or other data from the lamp to anetworked central lighting automation system.

The control module 1132 consistent with implementations of the currentsubject matter can include one or more integral components for detectingPoE; an integrated circuit for establishing connection to PoE andindicating that the lamp is a PoE powered device; an integrated circuitthat can contain a network address and handle the physical layer of theinternet protocol and converts to a serial interface; a microcontrollerfor receiving serial data and processing it into lighting controloutputs; one or more timing devices for synchronizing control signals;memory or other volatile or non-volatile storage for storing code anddata; connections to various inputs and outputs for control or function;a driver that receives its signals from a microcontroller and hascurrent control driver subcircuits that supply a DC drive current toindividual LED emitter strings; a DCDC converter allowing powerconversion to be regulated from PoE input power; and other auxiliarycomponents to support the various control functions provided.Alternatively, one or more of these components can be provided on one ormore separate circuit boards, including for example, either of theboards 1140 and 1150 of first end cap assembly 1126.

Directly addressable linear LED lamps having an integrated internalcontrol module 1132 in accordance with the current subject matter permitcomputer software control of networked lighting systems to be achievedin a variety of ways. Centralized computer programs, management systemsor control systems can be enabled to allow an administrator to controllight color and light intensity levels, program lamps to switch on andoff on a zone by zone or individual lamp basis, create & manage presetschedules, special lighting effects, automate responses to changing roomenvironment conditions, etc. These and other advanced lightingautomation approaches can be achieved by exchange of Ethernet controlpackets communicated between a central management system and controlmodules 1132 of the deployed lamps 1100 via one or more networkconnections to control operation of the LED lamps of the lighting systemaccording to commands from a computer or other data processing device.Real time or stored data from the lamps or associated sensors can alsobe transmitted by the lamps to the central management systems or controlsystems. This functionality can be implemented in a variety of softwareconfigurations, which will typically include control software operatingon a centralized lighting management system, as well as additionalexecutable code deployed as software or firmware running within thecontrol module of the individual lamps, which function both as lightengines and as addressable nodes of an networked automated LED lightingsystem.

The UPS module 1134 and its advantages will now be described in greaterdetail. As discussed, control module 1132 may include internal drivercircuitry for directing DC power extracted from signals received over anEthernet network to the individual LED emitter strings of lamp 1100. TheUPS module 1134 is operatively connected to control module 1132 andincludes a charging circuit which provides a charging current to the oneor more batteries thereof when the external power source is in normaloperation. In the event that power from power source is interrupted (dueto an external power failure, temporary network shut-down, networkconnection failure, etc.) a control sub-circuit of the UPS moduleswitches the load to the battery for providing power to the controlmodule 1132 and thus to the LED emitters driven by the control module.In other embodiments, the circuits may be designed such that the lamp isa dedicated emergency light which is dark during periods of normal powersupply but receiving a charging current, and which illuminates underpower of the UPS module 1134 when the normal power supply is lost. Theavailable space within the interior region of heat sink 1108 will permitmounting a sufficient number of backup batteries to power the LEDs andprovide the required illumination for durations required to meetapplicable emergency lighting codes. Currently available UPS batteriessources should provide power for 15 minutes and up to at least 2 hoursand potentially longer depending on the number and type of batteriesmounted within the interior region of the heat sink.

The lamp 1100 may alternatively be designed so that the driversub-circuit(s) for fewer than all of the independently driven LEDemitter strings receive power from the battery system in emergencylighting scenarios. For example, the string of LED emitters 1114 mountedon LED emitter board 1104 may serve as a dedicated emergency lightingcircuit that is run off the UPS module during a power interruption. Inyet another approach, one or more of the independently driven LEDemitter strings may be driven from the UPS module 1132 to provide roomlighting during an external power interruption or network outage, whileanother string of emitters is controlled such that its LED emittersflash on and off with a strobe lighting effect and/or consists of LEDemitters of a different color, to provide a warning signal that the UPSsystem has been invoked. Several other approaches will be evident topersons of ordinary skill in the art based on the subject matterdisclosed herein.

By providing a linear LED lamp with a concealed UPS that can sustain itsown source of power in the event of a power outage or computer networkinterruption, this aspect of the invention provides numerous additionalbenefits. For example, an entire pathway of lighting can be generated toinsure the most direct route out of a powerless building simply byinstalling the UPS emergency lights in lighting fixtures or directly tothe overhead ceiling grid at strategically chosen locations. Because theUPS backup circuit is implemented internal to the lamp, the exitingmounting fixture does not require any additional wiring or foreigncomponents to be installed into the fixture. This aspect of theinvention thus allows for buildings to be equipped with emergency safetylighting without the increase of cost of installing dedicated breakers,circuits, emergency lights, specialized ballasts, outside batterysources, generators and other equipment throughout the building, makingit easier and more likely that building owners and property managers anabide by the codes requiring adequate lighting in the event of a powerloss. Because the UPS is concealed internal to the heat sink, aestheticsare not adversely affected.

Linear LED lamps made according to the principles of the disclosedsubject matter may also be configured to support automated color tuningand color shifting. The embodiment of lamp 1100 will be used to describethis aspect. As is known, the correlated color temperature (CCT) of awhite light source is determined by comparing its hue with atheoretical, heated black-body radiator. CCT is specified in Kelvin (K)and corresponds to the temperature of the black body radiator whichradiates the same hue of white light as the light source. Incandescentlight sources are characterized by a relatively low color temperaturearound 3000K, called “warm white”. Fluorescent lights are characterizedby a higher color temperature around 7000K, called “cold white”.

White light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been developed based on LEDsemitting in the blue/ultraviolet part of the electromagnetic spectrum.White LEDs utilize phosphor materials to absorb a portion of theradiation emitted by the LED and re-emit radiation of a different color.Typically, the LED chip generates blue light in the visible part of thespectrum and the phosphor re-emits yellow or a combination of green andred light, green and yellow or yellow and red light. The portion of thevisible blue light generated by the LED which is not absorbed by thephosphor mixes with the yellow light emitted to provide light whichappears to the eye as being white in color. The CCT of a white LED canbe adjusted based on the phosphor composition incorporated in the LED.

It is known that the color temperature of light produced by a LEDlighting system can be tuned by utilizing LED emitters of differentcolor temperatures and controlling the relative magnitude of the drivecurrents of the respective LED emitters. By selectively controlling theintensity of each of the LED emitters of a given color temperature, thecolor temperature of the composite mixed light can be controlled togenerate light over a range of color temperatures. Prior known colortunable LED lighting systems have been implemented as integratedfixtures and suffer many of the same drawbacks associated withintegrated fixtures previously discussed, including high cost,inflexibility, lack of light engine standardization, difficulty ofupgrading, etc. A particular advantage of the lamp 1100 is that it canbe readily implemented with color tunable functionality to provide acolor tunable light engine for automated lighting systems in anadvantageous replaceable linear LED lamp format. This aspect will now bedescried in more detail.

As previously discussed, emitter boards 1102 and 1108 may include aseries of LED emitter pairs located at regularly spaced intervals in arow along the length of the board. Emitter traces connect a first stringof LED emitters in series and a second parallel string of LED emittersin series. As shown in FIG. 28A, the emitter pairs consist of oneemitter of each of the two parallel strings of emitters. Control module1132 may include dedicated driver sub-circuits to independently controlthe magnitude of DC current provided to each string of emitters based oncontrol instructions provided as Ethernet packets from a centralmanagement system. In one aspect, the boards 1108 and 1102 each consistof a first string of LED emitters with a color temperature in a firstrange, and a second string of LED emitters with a color temperature in asecond range. For example, in one implementation, the first string ofemitters on each board emits light having a CCT of about 4500K and thesecond string of emitters on each board emits light having a CCT ofabout 6500K. The color temperature of the output light depends on therelative proportion of light contributed by each emitter string, whichis proportional to the drive current transmitted to each string. Thus,if a drive current is provided only to the second emitter string of eachboard, the lamp will produce light of a CCT of about 6500K. Conversely,if a drive current is only provided to the first emitter string of eachboard, the lamp will produce light of a CCT of about 4500K. If drivecurrents are provided to both strings of emitters of each board, thelamp will produce light having a CCT somewhere between 4500K and 6500K,depending on the relative magnitude of the drive current of each LEDemitter string. The color temperature of the composite light produced bymixing the light generated by these different colored LED emitterstrings can thus be controlled in a range of about 4500K to about 6500K,depending on the relative magnitude of the drive currents of the LEDemitter strings.

Of course, various other CCT ranges may be achieved based on theselection of the CCT characteristics of the LED emitters utilized. Whilethe color tunable features of the lamp 1100 has been illustrated byreference to LED emitter boards containing two independentlycontrollable emitter strings, other designs utilizing three or morestrings of different CCT range emitters may alternatively be used. In afurther embodiment, the color tuning capabilities of lamp 1100 may befurther extended by also mixing light generated by emitter board 1104.As but one example, emitter boards 1108 and 1102 may consist of whiteLED emitters, and emitter board 1104 may consist of LED emitters of adifferent color range, such as red, green or blue emitters. This allowsfor various other color mixing effects to be achieved by adjusting thedrive current to each emitter string under control of a centralmanagement system communicating control instructions to the integratedcontrol module of the lamp.

As discussed, the control module 1132 can include an input to receiveone or more illumination control packets from a data processing deviceconnected to the lamp via the Ethernet connection provided in the firstend cap assembly; a processor for acting on the control packets; andoutputs for controlling the parallel driver sub-circuits that transmitpower to each LED emitter string. The command input may receive at leastone illumination control packet. The control packets may specify anillumination level or other color level parameters processed by a colortuning code running on the control module to execute the automated lighttuning functionality of the lamp 1100. A first color control output maycontrol a first driver sub-circuit that powers a first illuminationlevel for a first string of LED emitters of a first color. A secondcolor control output may control a second driver sub-circuit that powersa second illumination level for a second string of emitters of a secondcolor. The processor controls the first color control output inaccordance with a first color level parameter associated with a firstillumination control packet received at the input, and controls thesecond color control output in accordance with a second color levelparameter associated with the first illumination control packet.

Other control approaches developed for specific lighting applicationswill also be apparent to those skilled in the art and can be readilydeployed in the network addressable and programmable linear LED lamparchitecture disclosed herein. In another embodiment, the lamp 1100 canbe designed to provide relatively constant light output over itslifetime notwithstanding that the efficiency of LEDs can be expected todegrade over time. Control module 1132 may be programmed to power thefirst LED string 1113 a of emitter board 1108 and first LED string 1115a of emitter board 1102 to generate the lamp's primary light output, andthe second LED string 1113 b second LED string 1115 b of the boards arecontrolled to provide supplemental light output. The lamp may beconfigured so that upon detecting a reduced light output via a sensor ofthe networked lighting system, the control module drives the second LEDstrings 1113 b and 1115 b at the intensity required to maintain thelamp's total light output a near constant level. In another approach,the control module drives all of the LED strings all of the time, but isprogrammed (or instructed by a central management system) toautomatically increase the drive currents to maintain a constant lightoutput over time notwithstanding a gradual loss of LED efficiency. Ofcourse, many other possible control schemes may be implemented in thelamp architecture disclosed, making it possible to provide highlyautomated lamps having a variety of features and performancecharacteristics.

In another aspect, the disclosed PoE enabled linear lamps and connectorsystems can also be deployed to quickly and inexpensively provide theadvantages of PoE technology to horticultural lighting systems. Asdiscussed above, radiation at certain spectral bands can optimizechlorophyll absorption in plants that in turn drives the photosynthesisprocess critical to plant growth. LED lighting is attractive for thehorticultural market due to its energy efficiency and its long lifetime.Many warranties are for 50,000 hours or 3 to 5 years, which can providesignificant additional cost savings. However, most lamps are onlyguaranteed to produce 70% of initial lumen output (a common standardused when lighting for humans) over their lifespan. Since plant growthdirectly correlates to light output/light intensity, an LED fixture thatis guaranteed to last for 5 years but has a decreased light output of upto 30% is not ideal for growers who want to maintain a constant annualyield. As discussed above, the lighting systems disclosed herein canaddress this by driving the LEDs harder over time, or by dedicating oneor more LED strings of each lamp for use as supplemental lighting. Thus,indoor growers can be assured a constant light output over the fullguaranteed lifespan of the lamps.

Many growers utilize experts specialized in growing plants underartificial light to develop custom made light recipes for each crop andgrowing situation. The PoE enabled lamps disclosed herein can be readilyimplemented into existing or new horticultural lighting fixtures toprovide the many advantages of the lamp based light engine formatdiscussed above, and can be controlled and tuned to deliver the spectralenergy that plants require. Control programs may be implemented todeliver the required spectrum of light, at the right photon densityneeded for optimal plant growth and health, as well as to provide othereffects, such as pulsed lighting patterns, which may be desirable inhorticultural applications. These light recipes can be readilyimplemented using the disclosed control architecture and easily modifiedthrough user input at a central management station, allowing color,intensity, temperature and other aspects of individual lamp lightcharacteristics to be adjusted through software. In combination with airquality, light output and/or other sensors the system can be programmedchange light output characteristics automatically in a feedback controlsystem designed to provide optimal light recipes over the full growthcycle of the plants.

Under current practices, growers undertake substantial efforts tounderstand plant biology and optimal lighting needs for particularplants and indoor farming conditions, and rely on lighting manufacturesto provide customized LED light fixtures and control systems designed todeliver the light according to these needs. This approach leaves thegrower susceptible to installing expensive lighting systems that areinflexible and are not readily adaptable to the grower's evolving needs.As an example, while early research encouraged the use of light in thered and blue spectrums only, it has more recently been reported thatusing all wavelengths of light in the PAR (photosynthetically activeradiation) range, 400-700 nm, may improve plant quality and growthrates. Even though most growers are aware that these different spectrumsexist and can affect plant growth, it may be difficult to determine theoptimal spectrum and wavelengths needed for their particular systemset-up, plants or crops, and these needs may change over time.Integrated fixture based systems designed to deliver predetermined lightrecipes lack the flexibility that growers need to experiment withdifferent lighting conditions and adjust their operations based on anevolving knowledge base regarding optimal growth conditions. The PoEenabled lamps and connector systems disclosed herein overcome thisdifficulty because they can be tuned to generate light over a wide rangeof light spectrums of the PAR range, and the light characteristics areeasily changed under the control of lighting automation control softwarecommunicating with individual lamps over an Ethernet network. There isno need to replace or redesign integrated lighting fixtures to adjustlighting strategies. Moreover, light recipes can be developed forindividual lamps, or groups of lamps, because each lamp can be adirectly addressable node on the network.

The networked linear LED lamps disclosed herein may be provided invarious other geometries and sizes without departing from the scope ofthe invention. As discussed above, lamps having LED emitters orientedoutwardly from the vertical, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 9A/B,10, 27A/B and 28A/B/C, are particularly advantageous due to theirimproved efficiency and capability to cast light over a wide area whendeployed in a networked overhead lighting system. In certain lightingsystems, it may be desirable to also cast light into the space above thelamp. For example, in pendent lighting having lamps or fixturessuspended from above by cables or other means, upward directed light mayprovide an aesthetically pleasing effect while improving the overalllight quality as the upwardly directed light is reflected back down intothe space below. The disclosed lamps can be implemented in a modifiedform to provide a linear LED lamp having this additional lightingcapability.

One example is shown FIG. 30, which is a cross-sectional view takenlaterally across a mid-portion of the lamp body. The structure andoperation of this lamp is identical to the lamp of FIGS. 28A/B/C, exceptas described here. Therefore, common components are given the samereference numbers in FIG. 30, and the description of their structure andfunctions is not repeated. In the embodiment of FIG. 30, the heat sink1108 has a modified form in which the outer surface of first sidewall1124 has a flat mounting portion 1101 extending along the mid-portionthereof. In other words, the elongated fins 1105 are not present in themounting portion 1101. Mounting rails 1103 a, 1103 b extendlongitudinally along the opposite side edges of the mounting portion inspaced, parallel relation to each other. Each rail has a generallyT-shape cross-section forming a pair of internal channels 1109 a, 1109 band a pair of external channels 1117 a, 1117 b. The internal channels1109 a, 1109 b are configured to receive opposite side edge portions ofLED emitter board 1119 having one or more strings of LED emitters 1127.The emitter board 1119 may be secured to the mounting portion 1101 bysliding it along the length of lamp body and into engagement with theinternal channels 1109 a, 1109 b. A convexly shaped transparent ortranslucent lens 1121 removably attaches to the heat sink by inwardprojecting flanges that engage and seat with the external grooves 1117a, 1117 b at opposite lateral sides of the mounting rails 1103 a, 1103b.

The lamp 1110 illustrated in FIG. 30 is configured to be installed in anoverhead lighting system oriented so that the LED emitter boards 1108,1114 and 1102 are directed generally downward to cast light downward andlaterally over a broad area of the space below. In this installedconfiguration, the fourth emitter board 1119 is operable to cast aseparate beam of light upwardly into the space above the lamp. The lampof FIG. 30 may be implemented with LED emitters 1127 of the same ordifferent color and other characteristics as the emitters of thedownward directed emitter boards. An internal control module can beconfigured to control the emitter board 1119 independent of the otheremitter boards so that the intensity, color characteristics, etc. of theupward directed light may be adjusted independently to provide thedesired lighting effects.

The present invention thus contemplates providing integrated power anddata connectivity supporting a wide variety of network compatible smartlinear LED lamp designs, componentry, capabilities and performancecharacteristics. The devices, systems and methods disclosed provide aplatform for deploying automated LED lighting systems that providenumerous commercial advantages and facilitate immediate adoption andrapid penetration of PoE smart automation technology in the lightingindustry. The disclosed subject matter allows implementing PoEcompatible linear LED lamps directly into existing fluorescent lightingfixtures, eliminating the need to replace the massive fluorescentlighting install base with new integrated LED panel fixtures. Thisgreatly reduces the cost to the building owner of installing anautomated LED lighting system.

This also benefits networked lighting technology companies that supplylighting automation managements systems and network infrastructure, aswell as the fixture manufactures who presently must engineer therequired control components into the particular fixture selected for anetworked lighting installation. Manufacturers of integrated LEDlighting fixtures face the challenge of designing each fixture to havethe desired aesthetic appearance and lighting performance, while alsoengineering the unit to interface with the control components requiredfor the applicable lighting network. As a result, fixture design isessentially done on a custom basis, an inefficient and expensiveapproach. The integrated fixtures are not upgradable without removingthe fixture and entirely refurbishing it. The design of the disclosedsnap-fit connector is highly adaptive and can readily be integrated intothe products of lighting fixture manufacturers, meaning that existingfixture designs require minimal redesign to become enabled for PoEcapability, thus significantly reducing development costs and time tomarket. By specifying a PoE linear LED lamp of the type disclosed hereinas the light engine of the manufacturer's luminaire, optimal lightingperformance is assured and there is no need to adapt control componentsto the fixture body because those components are internal to the lampsthemselves. Furthermore, all safety, efficiency and performancecertifications (such as UL, DLC etc.) can be completed through thelinear LED lamps. Manufacturers can thus offer PoE capability acrosstheir entire linear LED product portfolio without having to obtainindividual certifications for each individual fixture design. Not onlydoes the disclosed lamp and connector systems provide standardized lightengines with excellent lighting performance and versatility, therequired network control components come integrated within the lamps.Because Ethernet is a global harmonized standard, the linear LED lampsand connector systems of the disclosed subject matter can be productizedand deployed throughout the world. This eliminates the need to producedifferent product versions suited to specific geographic markets, andreduces product development and inventory costs.

Providing an addressable control module internal to the lamp, asillustrated by certain disclosed embodiments, allows for each lamp to beits own system. This simplifies diagnosing or trouble shooting of systemfailures and substantially reduces the risk of catastrophic failure ofall or substantial portions of POE powered LED lighting systems. Inaddition, lamp failure and warranty issues can be addressed with anon-invasive lamp replacement, and without having to remove or refurbishan entire integrated panel fixture. The lamp based PoE lightingarchitecture disclosed also provides for a fully upgradable system,allowing building owners and operators to realize the benefits of futureadvances in lamp performance and features with simple and less expensivereplacement of original lamps with next generation lamps. The disclosedlamps may also be updated through configuration software downloadsand/or remote firmware updates.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety ofmodifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect tothe above described embodiments without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention, and that it is intended in the appended claimsto cover all those changes and modifications that fall within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A support connector for coupling an end of an elongate tubular LED lamp in an operative state to a lighting fixture, the elongate tubular LED lamp having a body with a length between spaced first and second ends, a source of illumination comprising at least one LED emitter board on or within the lamp body, and a first end connector at the first end of the body having a first surface, the support connector comprising: a base portion comprising a housing and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion configured to be coupled to a support of the lighting fixture, a leading end portion extending from the distal end portion of the base portion and configured to engage the first end connector of the tubular LED lamp; the base portion and the leading end portion defining an internal raceway sized to receive a network cable terminated with a communications plug, with a first opening at the distal end portion of the base portion and a second opening at a distal tip of the leading end portion so that the communications plug can be translated along the internal raceway between the first and second openings; the leading end portion further comprising a second surface configured to engage the first surface of the first end connector; the leading end portion configured so that the first and second surfaces are placed in confronting relationship to prevent separation of the first end connector and the support connector with the lamp body in the operative state as an incident of the first end connector moving relative to the support connector from a position fully separated from the support connector in a substantially straight path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position; wherein the first end connector comprises a jack which includes a housing defining an internal port for receiving the communications plug extending through the second opening, the jack providing an interface operable to transmit signals between the communications plug and the elongate tubular LED lamp according to a standardized power and data network protocol.
 2. The support connector according to claim 1, wherein the communications plug includes a spring-loaded tab adapted to engage a groove of the jack to releasably couple the plug to the jack, and the leading end portion of the support connector defines a cut-out on a surface thereof, the cut-out aligned with at least a portion of the tab and the groove with the end of the lamp coupled in an operative state to the lighting fixture and the plug inserted in the jack, the cut-out allowing the tab to seat within the groove to couple the plug to the jack.
 3. The support connector according to claim 1, in combination with an elongate tubular LED lamp having a body with a length between spaced first and second ends, a source of illumination comprising at least one LED emitter board on or within the lamp body, and a first end connector at the first end of the body for coupling an end of the elongate tubular LED lamp to the support connector in an operative state to a lighting fixture.
 4. The support connector according to claim 1, wherein the plug conforms to a standardized power and data network protocol.
 5. The support connector according to claim 4, wherein the plug is an Ethernet plug.
 6. The support connector according to claim 4, wherein the plug is a USB plug.
 7. The support connector according to claim 1, wherein the leading end portion is configured so that the first end connector moves against the leading end portion as the first end connector moves toward the engaged position thereby causing a part of at least one of the leading end portion and the first end connector to reconfigure to allow the first and second surfaces to be placed in confronting relationship.
 8. The support connector according to claim 7, wherein the first end connector has an opening bounded by an edge and the leading end portion of the support connector has a first deployable part on which the second surface is defined, the leading end portion configured so that the first deployable part: a) is engaged by the edge of the opening and progressively cammed from a holding position, in which the first deployable part resides with the first end connector in the fully separated position, towards an assembly position as the first end connector is moved towards the engaged position; and b) moves from the assembly position back towards the holding position with the first end connector in the engaged position.
 9. The support connector according to claim 8, wherein the first deployable part is joined to another part of the support connector part through a live hinge.
 10. The support connector according to claim 8, wherein the first end connector has a wall through which the opening is formed, the first surface defined by the wall inner surface, the wall having a third surface of its opposite side, and a fourth surface on the leading end portion of the support connector, the wall residing captively between the second and fourth surfaces with the first end connector in the engaged position.
 11. The support connector according to claim 8, further comprising an actuator, the support connector configured so that with the first end connector part in the engaged position the actuator can be repositioned to thereby move the first deployable part towards its assembly position to allow the first end connector to be separated from the support connector.
 12. The support connector according to claim 8, wherein the leading end portion is configured to cooperate with the edge of the opening to consistently align the leading portion with the opening as the leading end portion is directed into the opening as the first end connector is moved between the fully separated position and the engaged position.
 13. The support connector according to claim 8, wherein the leading end portion has a second deployable part that is configured substantially the same as the first deployable part and cooperates with the edge in the same way that the first deployable part cooperates with the edge in moving between corresponding holding and assembly positions and the first and second deployable parts are movable towards each other in changing from the holding positions into the assembly positions.
 14. The support connector according to claim 1, wherein the lighting fixture is a linear tube lamp lighting fixture and the base portion is adapted for press fit engagement with the lighting fixture support.
 15. The support connector according to claim 14, wherein the base portion includes a flange at its proximal end, a lower facing surface of the flange engaging an upper facing surface of the lighting fixture support with the support connector coupled to the lighting fixture.
 16. The support connector according to claim 14, wherein the base portion comprises first and second oppositely facing sidewalls, the first and second sidewalls each defining an externally facing slot adapted to engage an edge portion of an opening in the lighting fixture support. 